Nogales vs Tucson: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Nogales, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nogales, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,884 | $46,586▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.10 | $22.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,249 | $39,574▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,368 | $41,232▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,170 | $48,223▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,072▲ | $50,260 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,990▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nogales.
The salary gap between Nogales and Tucson is $2,702 (6.16%). Tucson's median is -2.87% 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,Tucson spans $10,686. Nogales 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, Tucson ($48,078 effective) pays 7.91% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,072)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,586/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,078)
- ✓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 37.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Nogales, AZ
$38,970 (2024) → $41,806 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$32,220 (2019) → $44,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nogales, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Nogales or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nogales and Tucson?
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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