Medical Assistant Pay in the United States in 2026: Hourly Wages by Region and Trends
Medical Assistant Pay in the United States in 2026: Hourly Wages by Region and Trends
Medical assistants (MAs) are essential healthcare workers who perform both clinical and administrative duties in doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals. In 2026, hourly pay for MAs varies across the country based on location, experience, certification, and local labor market conditions.
National Average Hourly Pay
Across the United States, the typical medical assistant earns around $20 to $21 per hour. Estimates from recent job posting and earnings data show average MA hourly wages near this range, reflecting a stable median as of early 2026.
• Indeed reports an average MA wage around $20.80 per hour nationally.
• Stepful finds a similar national average of about $21.19 per hour.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate typical MA wages correspond to roughly $20.19 per hour based on median figures from earlier data.
Regional and State Variations
Wages differ significantly by region, largely reflecting cost of living and state policies:
Northeast
• New York City and surrounding areas tend to pay above the national average, with median annual pay translating into roughly $22–$24 per hour in urban centers.
• Neighboring states with higher minimum wages and healthcare demand also trend toward the higher end of the MA wage range.
West and Pacific
• States like California typically offer higher wages due to living costs and state standards. Median medical assistant wages in California can translate to around $23 per hour, exceeding the national norm.
• Competitive urban markets within California often push wages even higher, especially in metropolitan areas.
South and Central U.S.
• In Texas, average certified MAs commonly earn near $21 per hour.
• In other Southern states, pay may remain closer to the national median or slightly below depending on rural vs urban demand.
Midwest and Other Regions
• Pay in large Midwest metropolitan areas typically clusters around the national average, though lower cost areas may see slightly lower hourly rates, especially for entry-level roles.
• Regions with larger healthcare systems may offer modest premiums.
Experience and Credentials Impact
Certification and experience influence pay:
• Certified medical assistants (CMAs) generally earn at the higher end of the range.
• Entry-level MAs often start closer to $16–$18 per hour, with wages rising as experience, responsibilities, and credentials grow.
Broader Trends in MA Pay
Medical assistant wages are supported by strong demand for healthcare support roles, with projected employment growth well above average. While regional minimum wage increases in 2026 may indirectly raise baseline compensation levels for lower paid healthcare workers, MAs with skill and certification are already positioned above many baseline wage floors.
Bottom Line
In 2026, medical assistants in the U.S. generally earn between roughly $18 and $24 per hour, with averages near $20–$21 per hour nationally. Wages tend to be higher in urban and high cost regions like California and New York and somewhat lower in rural and lower cost areas. Experience, certification, and employer type further shape where an individual MA falls within this range.
Sources
Indeed Medical Assistant Salaries
https://www.indeed.com/career/medical-assistant/salaries
Stepful Medical Assistant Salary Data
https://stepful.com/medical-assistant-salaries/united-states
Bureau of Labor Statistics MA Wage Estimates
https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes319092.htm
California MA Salary Context
https://allalliedhealthschools.com/blog/medical-assistant-salary-california
New York MA Salary Guide
https://nysmda.com/dental-news/medical-assistant-salary-in-new-york-city-2025-a-complete-guide
Minimum Wage and Impacts on Pay in 2026
https://www.the-sun.com/money/15619495/minimum-wage-paychecks-increase-affordability-law/
