Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Riverside, CA: $23.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Riverside, CA runs $23.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,021 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Riverside's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.4, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,410 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical assistants in Riverside, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $23.57 in 2026, slightly above the national average of $23.06. This rate reflects the evolving demand within various healthcare settings such as primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, urgent care clinics, and hospital outpatient facilities. The hourly pay range is substantial, with entry-level positions starting around $19.45, while experienced professionals can command up to $31.47 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data highlights the appealing opportunities available for part-time workers, who might typically work three days a week, or those seeking per-diem roles that allow for flexible scheduling.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.45 | $155.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.82 | $182.56 |
| Median (P50) | $23.57 | $188.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.79 | $206.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.47 | $251.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Riverside
Based on $23.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.57/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Riverside, CA can expect to earn approximately $49,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,279. With a cost-of-living index of 106.44 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Riverside.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Riverside
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $942.63 | $4,085 | $49,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $565.58 | $2,451 | $29,410 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.05 | $1,634 | $19,607 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Riverside) | $23.57 |
| 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 Riverside, CA earn a median of $49,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 5.50% below the California state average of $51,874.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.57/hr = $29,410/year (purchasing power: $27,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,017/year (purchasing power: $46,050).
CoL index: 106.442 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+55.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Riverside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Riverside grew 41.2% from $15.90/hr (2019) to $22.45/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.74/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 Riverside 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 Riverside
Examining the financial potential for medical assistants in Riverside reveals interesting contrasts between full-time and part-time employment. For instance, a medical assistant working for three days a week at 24 hours will take home a significantly lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem medical assistants often earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with those in specialty practices like dermatology earning even more — between $25 and $38 per hour. Urgent care facilities may offer additional stipends of $50 to $150 for 12-hour shifts, enhancing the overall compensation. Hourly wages can fluctuate based on employer type; for instance, primary care offices may pay less than corporate health clinics or specialty outpatient practices. While some may opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits, others might prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies are essential, particularly in a competitive environment where factors like certification through agencies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT can influence pay scales.
More salary data for Riverside, CA:
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
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 Riverside. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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