Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Newton, MA: $25.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Newton, MA runs $25.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Newton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,703 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Newton, Massachusetts, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to be $25.40 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $23.06 per hour by a noteworthy margin of 10.16%. This favorable hourly rate provides ample opportunities for both part-time and per-diem medical assistants working in various healthcare settings such as primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, urgent care intake stations, and hospital outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, typically comprising around 24 hours, this compensation can significantly enhance their earnings, especially when considering that entry-level medical assistants start around $20.83 per hour, while high achievers can reach rates of up to $33.24 per hour. These hourly rates are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the earnings potential for medical assistants in the region.
About the Newton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.83 | $166.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.24 | $169.88 |
| Median (P50) | $25.40 | $203.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.62 | $220.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.24 | $265.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newton
Based on $25.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.40/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newton, MA can expect to earn approximately $52,838 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,483. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,016.11 | $4,403 | $52,838 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $609.67 | $2,642 | $31,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.44 | $1,761 | $21,135 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Newton) | $25.40 |
| 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 Newton, MA earn a median of $52,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.16% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 5.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $50,270.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.40/hr = $31,703/year (purchasing power: $29,219).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,838/year (purchasing power: $48,698).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Newton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Newton grew 31.3% from $18.43/hr (2019) to $24.20/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.67/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 Newton 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 Newton
For part-time medical assistants in Newton, a typical weekly schedule of three days translates to about $31,056 annually, a figure that positions them comfortably within the local market. Per-diem medical assistant pay in the area can fluctuate significantly, with common billing rates ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, while those in specialty practices like dermatology can earn between $25 and $38 per hour. Furthermore, urgent care facilities may offer stipends of $50 to $150 on top of base pay for longer shifts, enhancing overall income. Hourly rates may differ based on the type of employer; those working in primary care settings often have more stable hours compared to roles in urgent care or specialty practices, which frequently offer higher wages but may lack consistent schedules. As a medical assistant considers their options, it’s vital to weigh the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits, such as health insurance, especially in a market like Newton where employers vary widely in compensation practices. Negotiating for better pay rates and understanding the landscape of medical assistant roles can empower individuals to find positions that fit their financial goals.
More salary data for Newton, 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 Newton. 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 Newton 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