Seattle vs Tacoma: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Seattle, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,557▲ | $63,480 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.04▲ | $30.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,512▲ | $48,664 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,629▲ | $52,484 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,272▲ | $71,493 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,155 | $88,299▲ |
| Total Employed | 10,210▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tacoma.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tacoma is $1,077 (1.70%). 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,Tacoma spans $39,635. Tacoma 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, Tacoma ($59,106 effective) pays 1.75% 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)
- ✓Larger job market (10,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,299)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,106)
- ✓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 6.9% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$46,950 (2019) → $61,500 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$56,564 (2024) → $60,474 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Seattle or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tacoma?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tacoma as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Seattle vs Tacoma?
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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