Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$45,000 vs $42,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$26,012 vs $33,871
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$21,799 vs $31,297
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $45,000▲ | $42,000 | +$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,650▲ | $32,340 | +$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,600▲ | $53,760 | +$3,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $72,000▲ | $67,200 | +$4,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $26,012 | $33,871▲ | -$7,859 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $37,713 | $38,808▲ | -$1,095 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $21,799 | $31,297▲ | -$9,498 |
| Total Employment | 120,000 | 95,000 | +25,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $3,000 more (median: $45,000 vs $42,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($26,012 vs $33,871 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.