Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in San Jose, CA: $31.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in San Jose, CA runs $31.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against San Jose's regional price level (BEA RPP 110.4, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,013 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the medical assistant hourly pay in San Jose, California, is projected to reach $31.26, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.06. This competitive rate allows medical assistants working part-time, such as those employed three days a week, to earn a meaningful salary while maintaining flexibility. Positions in various settings, including primary care exam rooms, urgent care, and specialty practices, reflect an expansive hourly range from $24.92 for entry-level roles to $40.18 for top earners. Such figures exemplify the earning potential available in a thriving healthcare market, according to data sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS, projected to 2026.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.92 | $199.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.94 | $207.50 |
| Median (P50) | $31.26 | $250.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.43 | $315.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.18 | $321.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Jose
Based on $31.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.26/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Jose, CA can expect to earn approximately $65,021 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,512. With a cost-of-living index of 110.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Jose.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Jose
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,250.40 | $5,418 | $65,021 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.24 | $3,251 | $39,013 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.16 | $2,167 | $26,008 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (San Jose) | $31.26 |
| 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 San Jose, CA earn a median of $65,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.56% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 25.30% above the California state average of $51,890.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.26/hr = $39,013/year (purchasing power: $35,330).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,021/year (purchasing power: $58,884).
CoL index: 110.423 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in San Jose (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in San Jose grew 35.7% from $21.95/hr (2019) to $29.78/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.81/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 San Jose 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 San Jose
Part-time medical assistants working a standard 24-hour week could expect to take home approximately $40,000 annually, compared to the income of a full-time counterpart. The per diem medical assistant pay in San Jose varies widely; workers may earn between $20 and $30 per hour in general settings, while those in specialty practices like dermatology or plastic surgery can command $25 to $38 per hour. In urgent care facilities, the addition of stipends for long shifts can further enhance earnings, potentially adding $50 to $150 per shift on top of base pay. Differences in hourly rates often emerge based on the employer's type; for instance, primary care offices, urgent care chains, and specialty clinics each have their own pay scales. While some medical assistants might opt for jobs offering lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits, others may prioritize higher hourly compensation without the insurance package. For those considering hourly positions in San Jose, it is advisable to emphasize negotiation skills, particularly highlighting certifications such as those from AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT to advocate for a pay rate reflective of the local market's robust demand for skilled medical assistants.
More salary data for San Jose, 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 San Jose. 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