San Francisco vs Vista: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between San Francisco, CA and Vista, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Vista, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,762▲ | $53,198 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.18▲ | $25.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,409▲ | $40,533 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,611▲ | $43,488 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,100▲ | $57,952 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,714▲ | $69,964 |
| Total Employed | 14,320▲ | 24 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Vista.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Vista is $9,564 (17.98%). 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,Vista spans $29,431. San Francisco has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($54,286 effective) pays 15.41% more than Vista ($47,036 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 Vista 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 -16.0% growth in Vista over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$48,370 (2019) → $59,790 (2025)
Vista, CA
$60,310 (2024) → $50,679 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: San Francisco or Vista?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Vista?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Vista as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in San Francisco vs Vista?
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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