Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Wilmington, DE: $23.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Wilmington, DE runs $23.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,397 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, the medical assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $23.56, slightly above the national hourly median of $23.06. This competitive rate translates well for both part-time workers, who may work three days a week, and per-diem employees. In typical settings such as primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, urgent care facilities, and corporate clinics, this hourly wage accommodates the flexibility that medical assistants often seek. Entry-level positions may start around $18.37 per hour, while top earners can make upwards of $29.59. These figures are derived from projected annual salary data, emphasizing the opportunity for growth within the role, especially for those willing to pursue certifications through organizations like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.37 | $146.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.49 | $155.94 |
| Median (P50) | $23.56 | $188.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.94 | $199.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.59 | $236.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $23.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.56/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, DE can expect to earn approximately $48,995 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,266. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $942.21 | $4,083 | $48,995 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $565.33 | $2,450 | $29,397 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.88 | $1,633 | $19,598 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Wilmington) | $23.56 |
| 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 Wilmington, DE earn a median of $48,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.15% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 0.40% above the Delaware state average of $48,799.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.56/hr = $29,397/year (purchasing power: $28,906).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,995/year (purchasing power: $48,176).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Wilmington grew 31.3% from $17.09/hr (2019) to $22.44/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.73/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Part-time medical assistants working three days a week, equating to around 24 hours, may see annual earnings of approximately $29,286 based on these hourly rates. This amount provides a solid living for many in Wilmington, while allowing for a work-life balance that full-time positions may not offer. Additionally, per diem medical assistant pay in Wilmington varies significantly, with standard rates from $20 to $30 per hour, and could rise to $25 to $38 per hour within specialty practices like dermatology or plastics. Urgent care facilities often sweeten the deal with stipends of $50 to $150 for longer shifts, enticing candidates to explore non-traditional roles. Different employer types further influence pay; primary care offices and urgent care clinics may not offer the same benefits that larger hospital systems do, leading some to accept lower hourly rates for health insurance. This compensation structure highlights the negotiation opportunities available for medical assistants, particularly for those seeking higher hourly wages without benefits. In a thriving city like Wilmington, understanding the nuances of pay can empower medical assistants to make informed career choices.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Wilmington 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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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