Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$45,000 vs $51,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$26,012 vs $31,481
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$21,799 vs $29,089
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $45,000 | $51,000▲ | -$6,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,650 | $39,270▲ | -$4,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,600 | $65,280▲ | -$7,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $72,000 | $81,600▲ | -$9,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $26,012 | $31,481▲ | -$5,469 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $37,713 | $47,124▲ | -$9,411 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $21,799 | $29,089▲ | -$7,290 |
| Total Employment | 120,000 | 145,000 | -25,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $6,000 more (median: $45,000 vs $51,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($26,012 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.