Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $24.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Boulder, CO runs $24.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,005 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,602 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the medical assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $24.52, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national hourly median of $23.06. This attractive rate not only supports full-time professionals but also creates viable opportunities for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week in various healthcare settings like primary care clinics, urgent care facilities, and specialty practices. With an hourly range that begins at $21.68 for entry-level positions and extends to $31.29 for experienced practitioners, the financial landscape in Boulder allows for a flexible work schedule and earning potential. For those considering per diem positions, the hourly rates can fluctuate based on demand and practice specialization, making it a significant part of the equation in this field.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.68 | $173.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.80 | $182.40 |
| Median (P50) | $24.52 | $196.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.39 | $219.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.29 | $250.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $24.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.52/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $51,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,425. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $980.84 | $4,250 | $51,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.50 | $2,550 | $30,602 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.34 | $1,700 | $20,401 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Boulder) | $24.52 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $51,005 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.35% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 5.90% above the Colorado state average of $48,163.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.52/hr = $30,602/year (purchasing power: $29,089).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,004/year (purchasing power: $48,482).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Boulder grew 26.6% from $18.45/hr (2019) to $23.36/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.74/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
For part-time medical assistants working 24 hours a week, their annual take-home pay would be considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the trade-offs that come with flexibility. Per diem medical assistant pay in Boulder also varies; those working in dermatology or plastic surgery may command between $25 to $38 per hour, while flexibility at urgent care facilities brings its own compensation dynamics, often adding stipends that range from $50 to $150 for 12-hour shifts. Different employer types also affect hourly pay, as roles in corporate occupational health clinics tend to offer different benefits compared to primary care or specialty practices. While some medical assistants are willing to forgo higher hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, others prefer the freedom that higher pay without benefits provides. Negotiating for the best hourly rate in Boulder can hinge on specialization, certifications, and the ability to adapt to the changing demands of this rapidly growing healthcare sector.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Boulder in 2026?
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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 Boulder. 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