New Orleans vs Ruston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between New Orleans, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,608▲ | $36,419 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.57▲ | $17.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,436▲ | $30,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,716▲ | $31,359 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,185▲ | $38,358 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,811▲ | $44,754 |
| Total Employed | 2,870▲ | 4 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Ruston is $2,189 (6.01%). 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 New Orleans spans $16,375,Ruston spans $14,167. New Orleans 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, New Orleans ($41,695 effective) pays 3.38% more than Ruston ($40,331 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,608/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,811)
- ✓Larger job market (2,870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,695)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in New Orleans grew 19.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Ruston over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$30,820 (2019) → $36,780 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$29,524 (2024) → $34,695 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: New Orleans or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Ruston?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Ruston as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in New Orleans vs Ruston?
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