Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Juneau, AK: $38,898 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Juneau, AK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,898 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Juneau's local price level (BEA RPP 106.1 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,662 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,306) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the medical assisting profession in Juneau, Alaska, the starting salary reflects a competitive job market. In 2026, the projected entry-level medical assistant salary in Juneau is expected to be around $38,898, which marks a significant initial gap from the city's overall median annual salary of $50,306. This difference highlights the reality that early-career professionals may start lower on the pay scale, but with experience and skill development, there is a promising upward trajectory. For new graduates, the potential to grow through various stages includes increasing their pay to the 25th percentile at $44,352 within the first few years, ultimately aiming for the median salary as they gain experience and expand their qualifications.
About the Juneau Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Juneau
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Juneau
Entry-level medical assistants in Juneau, AK typically start between $38,898 and $44,352 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,738 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,306 — 4.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Alaska of $9,000 represents just 23.14% of the starting medical assistant pay ($38,898/year) in Juneau. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP and ABHES-accredited medical assisting program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, private vocational) and program length.
MA, CMA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Juneau
- 1Research the Juneau market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $38,898 to $44,352, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical assisting field — employers in AK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Juneau, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Juneau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Juneau's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in Juneau is $22,738 ( 58.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,898, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,636.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,541
2025 BLS Actual
$37,056
2026 Current Est.
$38,898
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Juneau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,541 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,682 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,881 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,238 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,435 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,101 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,056 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,898 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,831 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Juneau, AK grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,541 in 2019 to $37,056 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,831. New graduates entering the Juneau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Juneau metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical assisting Career in Juneau
In Juneau, various employers play a key role in hiring entry-level medical assistants. Primary care offices and urgent care centers are the most accessible options for new grads due to structured onboarding processes that support their growth. However, specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics tend to favor candidates with at least one to two years of experience. For those looking to maximize their entry-level medical assistant pay in Alaska, obtaining national certifications like CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA) will be beneficial. These credentials, along with completing an accredited MA program, can substantially enhance both starting pay and job opportunities. As the demand for medical assistants continues to grow rapidly—expected to increase by 4.97% annually—strategies focusing on experience and certification will be valuable for navigating the first few years in this dynamic field, especially for those aiming to work within lucrative specialty practices.
More salary data for Juneau, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical assistants in Juneau in 2026?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical assisting graduates. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Juneau. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Juneau is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov