Northampton vs Worcester: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Northampton, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Northampton, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,952 | $49,588▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.53 | $23.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,745 | $42,996▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,314 | $46,418▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,114 | $59,455▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,649 | $62,100▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,770▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northampton.
The salary gap between Northampton and Worcester is $636 (1.30%). Worcester's median is +3.39% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Northampton spans $20,904,Worcester spans $19,104. Northampton 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, Worcester ($48,368 effective) pays 7.20% more than Northampton ($45,117 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Northampton if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,588/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,100)
- ✓Larger job market (1,770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,368)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Northampton grew -10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Northampton, MA
$51,926 (2024) → $46,634 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$39,390 (2019) → $47,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Northampton, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Northampton or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Northampton and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Northampton to Worcester as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Northampton vs Worcester?
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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