Riverside vs Santa Ana: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,021 | $54,964▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.57 | $26.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,455▲ | $40,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,467▲ | $43,884 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,650 | $60,286▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,459 | $73,693▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,280▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Santa Ana, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Ana is $5,943 (12.12%). Santa Ana's median is +14.60% 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,Santa Ana spans $33,586. Santa Ana 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, Santa Ana ($48,598 effective) pays 5.52% 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 Santa Ana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,964/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,693)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,598)
- ✓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 -16.0% growth in Santa Ana over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$33,080 (2019) → $46,700 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$62,313 (2024) → $52,362 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Riverside or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Ana as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Riverside vs Santa Ana?
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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