Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $32,488 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Portsmouth, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,488 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portsmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,481 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,842) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the medical assistant field in Portsmouth, VA, starting pay holds significant importance as it sets the tone for career growth. In 2026, entry-level medical assistants can expect an average starting salary of around $32,488. While this may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $40,842, it reflects a realistic entry point for new graduates eager to join the healthcare workforce. Over the first few years, salaries can be expected to rise incrementally, advancing from the entry-level threshold toward the median as professionals gain experience and skill. Given that Portsmouth's job market is relatively stable, it currently offers a favorable environment for aspiring medical assistants to launch their careers.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
Entry-level medical assistants in Portsmouth, VA typically start between $32,488 and $34,312 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,643 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,842 — 14.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Virginia of $7,000 represents just 21.55% of the starting medical assistant pay ($32,488/year) in Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth
- 1Research the Portsmouth market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $32,488 to $34,312, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth is $19,643 ( 60.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,488, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,131.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,167
2025 BLS Actual
$30,950
2026 Current Est.
$32,488
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,167 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,957 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,091 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,906 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,488 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,103 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Portsmouth, VA grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,167 in 2019 to $30,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,103. New graduates entering the Portsmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
In the Portsmouth area, various employers actively recruit new graduates into the medical assistant role, particularly in primary care offices and urgent care facilities that provide structured onboarding processes tailored for those just starting out. Specialty practices, such as dermatology or orthopedic centers, typically prefer candidates with several years of experience, while federally qualified health centers may offer additional benefits such as NHSC loan repayment and positions for bilingual staff. To enhance earning potential, new graduates should consider obtaining credentials from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT. Completing an accredited diploma or associate program, followed by certification, elevates one’s standing in a competitive job market. Early career strategies should focus on gaining experience in the high-growth areas of primary care and urgent care, as they constitute the bulk of new job openings. Expecting to see salary progression within the first three years can lead to compensation that aligns more closely with the regional and national averages, thus positioning medical assistants for promising career pathways ahead.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Portsmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Portsmouth 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