Seattle vs Bellingham: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Seattle, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,557▲ | $60,263 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.04▲ | $28.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,512▲ | $49,976 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,629▲ | $52,275 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,272▲ | $63,916 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,155▲ | $66,645 |
| Total Employed | 10,210▲ | 510 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Seattle and Bellingham is $4,294 (7.13%). Seattle's median is +34.60% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $29,643,Bellingham spans $16,669. Seattle 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, Bellingham ($58,319 effective) pays 0.39% more than Seattle ($58,090 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,557/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,155)
- ✓Larger job market (10,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,319)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Seattle grew 31.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.0% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$46,950 (2019) → $61,500 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$41,000 (2019) → $57,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Seattle or Bellingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Bellingham?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Bellingham as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Seattle vs Bellingham?
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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