San Francisco vs Santa Cruz: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,762▲ | $52,579 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.18▲ | $25.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,409▲ | $42,712 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,611▲ | $50,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,100▲ | $65,165 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,714▲ | $78,874 |
| Total Employed | 14,320▲ | 960 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is $10,183 (19.37%). San Francisco's median is +30.86% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $34,305,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, San Francisco ($54,286 effective) pays 13.46% 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 San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,762/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,714)
- ✓Larger job market (14,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,286)
- ✓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 San Francisco grew 23.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$48,370 (2019) → $59,790 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$43,680 (2019) → $50,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: San Francisco or Santa Cruz?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Cruz?
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What do entry-level medical assistants earn in San Francisco 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