Spokane vs Tacoma: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Spokane, WA and Tacoma, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Spokane, WA | Tacoma, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,290 | $63,480▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.11 | $30.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,082 | $48,664▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,748 | $52,484▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,646 | $71,493▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,480 | $88,299▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,090▲ | 56 |
Verdict
Tacoma, WA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Spokane and Tacoma is $9,190 (16.93%). Tacoma's median is +32.36% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Spokane spans $19,398,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 9.25% more than Spokane ($54,103 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tacoma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,480/year)
- ✓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 Spokane grew 41.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.9% growth in Tacoma over the same period.
Spokane, WA
$36,680 (2019) → $51,720 (2025)
Tacoma, WA
$56,564 (2024) → $60,474 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spokane, WA
Tacoma, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Spokane or Tacoma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Spokane and 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