Roanoke vs Suffolk: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Roanoke, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,658 | $41,501▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.06 | $19.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,716▲ | $34,102 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,576▲ | $35,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,119▲ | $43,661 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $46,743 | $55,821▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Suffolk, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Suffolk is $1,843 (4.65%). Suffolk's median is -13.47% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $9,027,Suffolk spans $21,719. Suffolk 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, Roanoke ($42,362 effective) pays 5.34% more than Suffolk ($40,214 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,362)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,501/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,821)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Roanoke grew 22.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$30,810 (2019) → $37,780 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$40,588 (2024) → $39,536 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Roanoke or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Suffolk as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Roanoke vs Suffolk?
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