Pittsburgh vs Scranton: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Scranton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,969▲ | $44,885 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.62▲ | $21.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,519▲ | $36,026 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,497▲ | $39,511 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,507▲ | $47,006 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,346 | $51,288▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,810▲ | 840 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Scranton.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Scranton is $84 (0.19%). Pittsburgh's median is -6.24% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $12,827,Scranton spans $15,262. Scranton 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, Scranton ($47,977 effective) pays 1.00% more than Pittsburgh ($47,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,969/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,810 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Scranton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,288)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,977)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Pittsburgh grew 34.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Scranton over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$31,950 (2019) → $42,840 (2025)
Scranton, PA
$31,860 (2019) → $42,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Scranton, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Pittsburgh or Scranton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Scranton?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Scranton as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Pittsburgh vs Scranton?
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