Napa vs San Francisco: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Napa, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Napa, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,134▲ | $62,762 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.31▲ | $30.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,171 | $49,409▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,041▲ | $52,611 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,693▲ | $81,100 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,693 | $83,714▲ |
| Total Employed | 320 | 14,320▲ |
Verdict
Napa and San Francisco are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Napa and San Francisco is $2,372 (3.78%). Napa's median is +35.81% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Napa spans $35,522,San Francisco spans $34,305. Napa has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Napa ($57,869 effective) pays 6.60% more than San Francisco ($54,286 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Napa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,134/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,869)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,714)
- ✓Larger job market (14,320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Napa grew 50.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Napa, CA
$41,140 (2019) → $62,050 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$48,370 (2019) → $59,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Napa or San Francisco?
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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