Riverside vs San Jose: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Riverside, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,021 | $65,018▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.57 | $31.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,455 | $51,824▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,467 | $53,944▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,650 | $82,003▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,459 | $83,577▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,280▲ | 6,400 |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and San Jose is $15,997 (32.63%). San Jose's median is +35.56% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $25,004,San Jose spans $31,753. San Jose 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 Jose ($58,881 effective) pays 27.85% more than Riverside ($46,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (11,280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,018/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,577)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,881)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Riverside grew 41.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.7% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$33,080 (2019) → $46,700 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$45,660 (2019) → $61,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Riverside or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Riverside to San Jose as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Riverside vs San Jose?
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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