Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Newport Beach, CA: $24.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Newport Beach, CA runs $24.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Newport Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,445 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Newport Beach, California earn a median hourly rate of $24.40, which exceeds the national median of $23.06 by approximately 5.81%. This competitive pay provides a solid foundation for individuals seeking part-time or per-diem work in various healthcare settings, including primary care exam rooms and urgent care intake stations. For those working three days a week, their earnings can provide a stable income, while per-diem medical assistants generally earn between $19.85 and $31.74 per hour, depending on their experience and the specific healthcare specialty. The pay range from entry-level assistants at $19.85 to experienced professionals earning up to $31.74 means that there are ample opportunities to advance within the profession, which is critical in a market filled with significant demand for quality healthcare workers.
About the Newport Beach 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) | $19.85 | $158.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.82 | $166.52 |
| Median (P50) | $24.40 | $195.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.41 | $211.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.74 | $253.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport Beach
Based on $24.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.40/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,274. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $975.80 | $4,228 | $50,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $585.48 | $2,537 | $30,445 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.32 | $1,691 | $20,297 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Newport Beach) | $24.40 |
| 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 Newport Beach, CA earn a median of $50,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.81% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 2.20% below the California state average of $51,889.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.40/hr = $30,445/year (purchasing power: $26,919).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,742/year (purchasing power: $44,864).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Newport Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Newport Beach grew 31.3% from $17.70/hr (2019) to $23.24/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.61/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 Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach
For those considering part-time roles of around 24 hours a week, the financial outlook differs considerably compared to full-time positions. Part-time medical assistants can take home roughly $30,000 annually, while the more flexible per-diem arrangements hover around $20 to $30 per hour for general practice, potentially reaching $38 per hour in specialized areas such as dermatology or plastic surgery. Employers like urgent care clinics or specialty practices in Newport Beach may enhance pay with stipends for extended shifts. While many medical assistants may accept lower hourly rates for job security that comes with benefits, the variance in pay across employer types reflects differing priorities on work-life balance versus financial compensation. In negotiations, emphasizing certifications from recognized bodies such as AAMA or AMT can enhance marketability and leverage conversations about salary, especially given the industry's growth prospects, estimated at a robust 4.97% annually.
More salary data for Newport Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Newport Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Newport Beach?
Are medical assistants in Newport Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Newport Beach?
Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Newport Beach?
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 Newport Beach. 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 Newport Beach 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