Nogales vs Phoenix: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Nogales, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nogales, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,884 | $49,157▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.10 | $23.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,249 | $40,529▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,368 | $43,867▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,170 | $51,498▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,072 | $57,838▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 15,410▲ |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nogales.
The salary gap between Nogales and Phoenix is $5,273 (12.02%). Phoenix's median is +2.49% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nogales spans $16,823,Phoenix spans $17,309. Phoenix 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, Phoenix ($47,579 effective) pays 6.79% more than Nogales ($44,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nogales if…
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,157/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,838)
- ✓Larger job market (15,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,579)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Nogales grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Phoenix over the same period.
Nogales, AZ
$38,970 (2024) → $41,806 (2025)
Phoenix, AZ
$34,530 (2019) → $46,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nogales, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Nogales or Phoenix?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nogales and Phoenix?
Should I relocate from Nogales to Phoenix as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Nogales vs Phoenix?
Related Comparisons
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