Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $25.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Boston, MA runs $25.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,262 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,952 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical assistants in Boston, Massachusetts are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $25.60 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.06. This increased pay reflects the cost of living in the area and the demand for skilled healthcare support. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $23.25 per hour and experienced professionals earning up to $31.54 per hour, the hourly wage range provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time workers. Those pursuing part-time opportunities or per-diem positions in settings such as primary care examination rooms, urgent care facilities, and specialty clinics can expect competitive compensation, making this profession an increasingly appealing choice for individuals interested in healthcare careers in Boston.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.25 | $186.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.20 | $193.56 |
| Median (P50) | $25.60 | $204.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.85 | $238.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.54 | $252.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $25.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.60/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $53,253 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,723. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,024.09 | $4,438 | $53,253 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $614.45 | $2,663 | $31,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.63 | $1,775 | $21,301 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Boston) | $25.60 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $53,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.05% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 6.00% above the Massachusetts state average of $50,247.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.60/hr = $31,952/year (purchasing power: $29,512).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,253/year (purchasing power: $49,187).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Boston grew 22.0% from $20.00/hr (2019) to $24.39/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.87/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 Boston 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 Boston
In a part-time capacity, medical assistants working three days a week would take home an estimated annual income of about $31,488, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem medical assistants often command varying rates, typically ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialty practices—such as dermatology—offering rates that can reach $25 to $38 per hour for on-call work. In addition to base pay, urgent care shifts may include stipends of $50 to $150 on top of their hourly rate, enhancing overall earnings. Hourly compensation can also fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with primary care offices, urgent care chains (like CityMD and MedExpress), and specialty practices such as orthopedics and OB-GYN offering differing pay scales. Some MAs may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay without the additional perks. For those operating in Boston, effective negotiation strategies, such as emphasizing certification credentials from recognized bodies like AAMA or AMT, can significantly impact earning power in this dynamic profession.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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 Boston. 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