Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $23.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Washington, DC runs $23.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,958 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,371 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected at $23.53 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $23.06. This elevated pay reflects the demand for skilled medical assistants in various healthcare settings, including primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, urgent care facilities, and corporate workplace clinics. Part-time workers, who typically schedule about three days a week, can expect to earn around $1,128 weekly before taxes, translating to over $58,000 yearly if they work consistently. Additionally, entry-level medical assistants may start at approximately $18.89, while seasoned professionals in specialized or high-demand areas can approach $29.93 per hour, showcasing a wide range of earnings within this profession.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.89 | $151.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.94 | $175.51 |
| Median (P50) | $23.53 | $188.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.84 | $206.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.93 | $239.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $23.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.53/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $48,951 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,241. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $941.37 | $4,079 | $48,951 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.82 | $2,448 | $29,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.55 | $1,632 | $19,581 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Washington) | $23.53 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $48,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.08% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 12.80% below the District of Columbia state average of $56,145.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.53/hr = $29,371/year (purchasing power: $26,974).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,951/year (purchasing power: $44,957).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Washington grew 20.0% from $18.68/hr (2019) to $22.42/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.70/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 Washington 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 Washington
Focusing on the economic dynamics of being a medical assistant in Washington reveals interesting potential for various working arrangements. A part-time medical assistant, with a 24-hour work week, could earn around $29,184 per year based on the 2026 projections, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For those seeking flexible work opportunities, per diem medical assistant pay in Washington can range from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialty practices, such as dermatology or plastic surgery, potentially paying between $25 and $38 per hour. Urgent care facilities might enhance hourly pay with stipends that add $50 to $150 for long shifts, making these opportunities attractive. Hourly rates also fluctuate by employer type; while primary care offices may offer competitive hourly wages, specialty practices often provide a premium of 20-40%. However, some medical assistants might choose slightly lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, balancing income with job security. For effective negotiation, professionals should emphasize their certifications from recognized bodies such as AAMA or AMT to command better pay in this rapidly growing field.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Washington. 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