Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Indianapolis, IN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$32,000 vs $51,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$35,556 vs $31,481
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$31,819 vs $29,089
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $32,000 | $51,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,640 | $39,270▲ | -$14,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,960 | $65,280▲ | -$24,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $51,200 | $81,600▲ | -$30,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $35,556▲ | $31,481 | +$4,075 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $28,637 | $47,124▲ | -$18,487 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $31,819▲ | $29,089 | +$2,730 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 145,000 | -107,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $19,000 more (median: $32,000 vs $51,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($35,556 vs $31,481 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.