Monroe vs New Orleans: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Monroe, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Monroe, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,141 | $38,608▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.37 | $18.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,849 | $32,436▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,764 | $37,716▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $38,430 | $43,185▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $43,668 | $48,811▲ |
| Total Employed | 550 | 2,870▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Monroe.
The salary gap between Monroe and New Orleans is $2,467 (6.83%). New Orleans's median is -19.50% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Monroe spans $15,819,New Orleans spans $16,375. New Orleans has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Monroe ($43,232 effective) pays 3.69% more than New Orleans ($41,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Monroe if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,232)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,608/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,811)
- ✓Larger job market (2,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Monroe grew 14.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Monroe, LA
$30,040 (2019) → $34,430 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$30,820 (2019) → $36,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Monroe, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Monroe or New Orleans?
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Should I relocate from Monroe to New Orleans as a medical assistant?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov