Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Suffolk, VA: $34,102 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Suffolk, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,102 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Suffolk's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,045 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,501) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of medical assisting in Suffolk, Virginia, can expect to start their careers with salaries around $34,102. This initial pay reflects a significant gap compared to the city median of $41,501. Entry-level positions are often seen in primary care settings or urgent care facilities, which actively seek newly certified medical assistants. Over the first few years, as one gains experience, reaching the 25th percentile at $35,650 would be a realistic expectation, with the opportunity to advance closer to the median salary within three to five years. This growth trajectory indicates Suffolk is currently a fair market for new graduates, despite salaries being on the lower end when compared to the national median of $47,961.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Suffolk
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 Suffolk
Entry-level medical assistants in Suffolk, VA typically start between $34,102 and $35,650 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,719 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,501 — 13.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Virginia of $7,000 represents just 20.53% of the starting medical assistant pay ($34,102/year) in Suffolk. 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 Suffolk
- 1Research the Suffolk market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $34,102 to $35,650, 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 Suffolk, 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 Suffolk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Suffolk'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 Suffolk is $21,719 ( 63.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,102, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,821.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,268
2025 BLS Actual
$32,487
2026 Current Est.
$34,102
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,268 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,268 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,197 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,189 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,486 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,102 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,796 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Suffolk, VA grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,268 in 2019 to $32,487 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,796. New graduates entering the Suffolk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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 Suffolk
In Suffolk, numerous local healthcare providers, particularly primary care offices and urgent care chains, frequently hire new graduates. These organizations often have structured onboarding programs, which can greatly ease the transition into the workforce. Specialty practices such as dermatology or orthopedics, however, typically seek candidates with 1-2 years of experience; those willing to work in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) may benefit from programs like the NHSC loan repayment for serving in high-need areas. Additionally, pursuing credentials like the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT), along with certifications in BLS and optional skills such as phlebotomy or EKG, can enhance starting medical assistant pay in VA. With the medical assistant workforce anticipated to grow rapidly, new graduates can expect salary increases in their first few years, particularly if they target roles in primary care or urgent care, where job growth is strongest.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical assistants in Suffolk in 2026?
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Is medical assisting school worth it in Suffolk?
What do new medical assistants make right out of school in Suffolk?
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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 Suffolk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Suffolk 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