Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Sarasota, FL: $23.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Sarasota, FL runs $23.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,598 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Sarasota's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,161 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sarasota, medical assistants earn a median hourly pay of $23.37, presenting a slight premium over the national hourly median of $23.06. This rate offers attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, who often find themselves in various clinical settings like primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, and urgent care facilities. The hourly range for medical assistants spans from about $18.04 for entry-level positions to $29.31 for top earners within the region. This reflects the variation in demand and skill level, demonstrating how the hourly pay can support a comfortable living, especially for those managing a flexible schedule or considering per-diem roles.
About the Sarasota Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.04 | $144.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.27 | $154.18 |
| Median (P50) | $23.37 | $186.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.64 | $197.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.31 | $234.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sarasota
Based on $23.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.37/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sarasota, FL can expect to earn approximately $48,602 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,040. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sarasota.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sarasota
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.65 | $4,050 | $48,602 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.79 | $2,430 | $29,161 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.86 | $1,620 | $19,441 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Sarasota) | $23.37 |
| 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 Sarasota, FL earn a median of $48,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.33% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 12.00% above the Florida state average of $43,391.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.37/hr = $29,161/year (purchasing power: $28,930).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,602/year (purchasing power: $48,216).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Sarasota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Sarasota grew 31.3% from $16.95/hr (2019) to $22.26/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.53/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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota
For part-time medical assistants working three days a week, clocking in around 24 hours, the annual take-home pay grows substantially less than full-time counterparts, effectively making their financial situation contingent on employment arrangements. Per-diem roles are also significant; many MAs in Sarasota can expect to bill around $20-$30 per hour, with specialty practices commanding higher rates, ranging from $25 to $38 an hour. Additionally, the long shifts common in urgent care might offer stipends of $50 to $150 on top of the basic rate. Hourly earnings can vary widely by employer type, with primary care offices generally offering lower pay compared to urgent care chains or specialty practices. While some may accept reduced hourly rates for access to benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay in agency positions. Medical assistants in Sarasota would do well to negotiate effectively, emphasizing their credentials from certifying bodies like AAMA or AMT while exploring opportunities in the medical assistant hourly pay sector.
More salary data for Sarasota, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Sarasota 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 Sarasota. 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 Sarasota 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