Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$37,000 vs $51,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$35,922 vs $31,481
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$32,362 vs $29,089
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $37,000 | $51,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,490 | $39,270▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,360 | $65,280▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $59,200 | $81,600▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $35,922▲ | $31,481 | +$4,441 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $33,333 | $47,124▲ | -$13,791 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $32,362▲ | $29,089 | +$3,273 |
| Total Employment | 62,500 | 145,000 | -82,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $14,000 more (median: $37,000 vs $51,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($35,922 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.