Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Dover, DE: $20.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Dover, DE runs $20.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,038 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.5, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,821 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical assistants in Dover, Delaware, can expect a median hourly pay of $20.69, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.06. This discrepancy highlights the localized economic factors impacting wages in the area. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this rate translates to considerable earnings, especially when considering per diem opportunities. These professionals typically work in various settings like primary care exam rooms, outpatient clinics, and urgent care centers. The hourly pay range in Dover spans from $18.14 for entry-level positions to approximately $24.90 for more experienced roles, illustrating potential income growth as workers gain experience and additional certifications.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.14 | $145.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.81 | $150.48 |
| Median (P50) | $20.69 | $165.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.09 | $184.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.90 | $199.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $20.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.69/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, DE can expect to earn approximately $43,034 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,828. With a cost-of-living index of 97.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $827.58 | $3,586 | $43,034 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $496.55 | $2,152 | $25,821 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $331.03 | $1,434 | $17,214 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Dover) | $20.69 |
| 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 Dover, DE earn a median of $43,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.26% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 11.80% below the Delaware state average of $48,796.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.69/hr = $25,821/year (purchasing power: $26,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,034/year (purchasing power: $44,135).
CoL index: 97.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Dover grew 34.3% from $14.68/hr (2019) to $19.71/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.72/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 Dover 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 Dover
For those considering part-time positions, a medical assistant working 24 hours a week could bring home approximately $25,000 annually, compared to the earnings of a full-time employee. Per diem medical assistant pay in Dover often ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialty practices like dermatology or orthopedics commanding rates between $25 and $38. Urgent care facilities, which may offer additional stipends for longer shifts, add an interesting dimension to earnings. Different employer types, including primary care offices, urgent care chains, and corporate occupational health clinics, offer varied hourly rates. While some medical assistants accept lower hourly wages for health benefits, others may pursue higher pay in environments that lack such support. Negotiation strategies are vital, especially in a market where the growing demand for MAs can provide leverage for better hourly compensation.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
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 Dover. 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