Philadelphia vs Reading: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Reading, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,171▲ | $47,877 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.16▲ | $23.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,204▲ | $38,923 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,699▲ | $41,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,113▲ | $49,745 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,054 | $58,111▲ |
| Total Employed | 13,150▲ | 730 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Reading is $294 (0.61%). Philadelphia's median is +0.44% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $15,850,Reading spans $19,188. Reading 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, Reading ($49,327 effective) pays 5.02% more than Philadelphia ($46,971 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,171/year)
- ✓Larger job market (13,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Reading if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,111)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,327)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Philadelphia grew 30.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Reading over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$35,200 (2019) → $45,890 (2025)
Reading, PA
$33,410 (2019) → $45,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Reading, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Philadelphia or Reading?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Reading?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Reading as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Philadelphia vs Reading?
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