Palmdale vs San Francisco: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Palmdale, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Palmdale, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,547 | $62,762▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.78 | $30.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,718 | $49,409▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,270 | $52,611▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,267 | $81,100▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,736 | $83,714▲ |
| Total Employed | 29 | 14,320▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Palmdale.
The salary gap between Palmdale and San Francisco is $11,215 (21.76%). San Francisco's median is +30.86% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palmdale spans $29,018,San Francisco spans $34,305. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($54,286 effective) pays 19.11% more than Palmdale ($45,576 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Palmdale if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,762/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,714)
- ✓Larger job market (14,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,286)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Palmdale grew -16.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Palmdale, CA
$58,438 (2024) → $49,106 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$48,370 (2019) → $59,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palmdale, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Palmdale or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Palmdale and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Palmdale to San Francisco as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Palmdale vs San Francisco?
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