Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Waynesboro, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Waynesboro, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,788▲ | $40,100 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.01▲ | $19.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,133▲ | $32,793 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,245▲ | $33,917 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,465▲ | $40,839 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,441 | $50,646▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,040▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waynesboro.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro is $5,688 (14.18%). Virginia Beach's median is -4.53% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $10,308,Waynesboro spans $17,853. Waynesboro 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, Virginia Beach ($46,751 effective) pays 20.32% more than Waynesboro ($38,857 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,788/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,751)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Waynesboro if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,646)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Virginia Beach grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Waynesboro over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$33,010 (2019) → $43,620 (2025)
Waynesboro, VA
$39,218 (2024) → $38,201 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Waynesboro, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Virginia Beach or Waynesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Waynesboro?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Waynesboro as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Virginia Beach vs Waynesboro?
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