Riverside vs Santa Cruz: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,021 | $52,579▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.57 | $25.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,455 | $42,712▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,467 | $50,207▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,650 | $65,165▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,459 | $78,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,280▲ | 960 |
Verdict
Santa Cruz, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Cruz is $3,558 (7.26%). Santa Cruz's median is +9.63% 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 Cruz spans $36,162. Santa Cruz 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 Cruz ($47,844 effective) pays 3.89% 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 Cruz if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,579/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,874)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,844)
- ✓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 14.7% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$33,080 (2019) → $46,700 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$43,680 (2019) → $50,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Riverside or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Cruz?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Cruz as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Riverside vs Santa Cruz?
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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