Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $25.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Buena Park, CA runs $25.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,519 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buena Park, California, medical assistants earn a median hourly rate of $25.26, surpassing the national average of $23.06. This elevated hourly pay reflects both the cost of living in the area and the demand for skilled workers in healthcare settings. Medical assistants working three days a week can expect to earn a respectable income, making it an attractive option for part-time professionals seeking flexibility. For those in per-diem roles, competitive options exist in various settings, ranging from primary care exam rooms to urgent care intake stations, with hourly wages typically ranging from $19.93 to $32.09 based on experience and specialization. With this diversity in pay rates, the opportunity for higher earnings is certainly available for those who navigate specialties like dermatology or orthopedics.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.93 | $159.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.08 | $168.62 |
| Median (P50) | $25.26 | $202.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.88 | $215.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.09 | $256.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $25.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.26/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,532 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,307. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.23 | $4,378 | $52,532 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.14 | $2,627 | $31,519 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.09 | $1,751 | $21,013 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Buena Park) | $25.26 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $52,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.53% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 1.30% above the California state average of $51,860.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.26/hr = $31,519/year (purchasing power: $27,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,532/year (purchasing power: $46,447).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Buena Park grew 31.3% from $18.33/hr (2019) to $24.06/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.51/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Buena Park
Considering the dynamics of part-time and per-diem positions, medical assistants who opt for a 24-hour workweek may take home a significantly different income than those working full-time. While full-time medical assistants are better positioned for benefits, part-time workers can often prioritize their schedules. Per-diem medical assistants in Buena Park generally charge $20-$30/hr, with specialty practices offering even more lucrative pay, sometimes reaching up to $38/hr. These roles frequently allow for additional stipends—such as $50-$150 for 12-hour shifts in urgent care settings. Hourly rates vary greatly depending on the employer; for instance, corporate clinics might offer more stable hourly rates in exchange for benefits, whereas specialty practices can provide higher pay without those advantages. Ultimately, negotiating pay should consider both hourly compensation and the potential benefits of full-time employment in order to achieve overall career satisfaction.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Buena Park in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Buena Park?
Are medical assistants in Buena Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Buena Park?
Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Buena Park?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Buena Park. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buena Park 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