Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in West Palm Beach, FL: $23.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in West Palm Beach, FL runs $23.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,225 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against West Palm Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,938 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical assistant hourly pay in West Palm Beach, Florida, is projected to reach a median rate of $23.19, slightly above the national median of $23.06. This suggests that medical assistants in the area enjoy a competitive salary relative to the country as a whole. For part-time workers, typically those engaged in just three days a week, this translates to around $1,000 weekly for a standard 24-hour schedule. Per-diem positions in settings like primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, and urgent care clinics might see even more variability in pay; these roles often attract those who prefer flexible work arrangements. The hourly rate spans from $17.91 for entry-level positions up to $30.82 for top earners, reflecting a healthy wage range that caters to various experience levels within the West Palm Beach area.
About the West Palm Beach 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) | $17.91 | $143.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.16 | $153.26 |
| Median (P50) | $23.19 | $185.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.43 | $203.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.82 | $246.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Palm Beach
Based on $23.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.19/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Palm Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $48,231 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,825. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Palm Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Palm Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $927.51 | $4,019 | $48,231 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $556.51 | $2,412 | $28,938 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.01 | $1,608 | $19,292 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (West Palm Beach) | $23.19 |
| 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 West Palm Beach, FL earn a median of $48,225 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.55% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 11.10% above the Florida state average of $43,407.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.19/hr = $28,938/year (purchasing power: $28,709).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,231/year (purchasing power: $47,848).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in West Palm Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in West Palm Beach grew 31.3% from $16.82/hr (2019) to $22.09/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.34/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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach
Focusing on the earning potential for part-time and per-diem positions, a medical assistant working three days a week could expect to take home approximately $48,400 annually, in contrast to a full-time worker whose earnings are significantly higher. Per diem roles often offer greater financial flexibility; for example, specialists like dermatologists and plastic surgeons might pay per-diem medical assistants anywhere between $25 and $38 per hour. Urgent care settings may provide added incentives, including shift stipends of $50 to $150 for a single 12-hour shift, creating attractive pay scenarios for those willing to work longer hours intermittently. The variety in hourly rates across different employer types adds layers to compensation. Primary care offices typically offer lower rates compared to urgent care centers and specialty practices, where the demand for skills can command a premium. Some medical assistants may choose lower hourly wages for consistent health benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. In West Palm Beach, negotiation skills can be crucial; articulating the value of your certifications, such as those from AAMA, AMT, NHA, and NCCT, can lead to better offers in this competitive job market.
More salary data for West Palm Beach, FL:
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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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