Sacramento vs Santa Cruz: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Sacramento, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,050▲ | $52,579 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.27▲ | $25.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,583▲ | $42,712 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,089▲ | $50,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,858▲ | $65,165 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,971▲ | $78,874 |
| Total Employed | 7,410▲ | 960 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Santa Cruz is $12,471 (23.72%). Sacramento's median is +35.63% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $34,388,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, Sacramento ($60,982 effective) pays 27.46% more than Santa Cruz ($47,844 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,971)
- ✓Larger job market (7,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,982)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Sacramento grew 55.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$39,850 (2019) → $61,970 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$43,680 (2019) → $50,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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