Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $23.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Worcester, MA runs $23.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,588 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,751 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Worcester, Massachusetts, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to stand at $23.84 in 2026, marginally above the national hourly median of $23.06. This higher rate benefits part-time medical assistants working typically three days a week in various settings, ranging from primary care exam rooms to urgent care facilities. Such individuals can expect to earn between $20.67 and $29.85 per hour, depending on their level of experience and the specific setting in which they are employed. Entry-level medical assistants may start on the lower end of this scale, while experienced professionals can achieve higher hourly rates, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within Worcester’s healthcare landscape.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.67 | $165.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.32 | $178.53 |
| Median (P50) | $23.84 | $190.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.58 | $228.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.85 | $238.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $23.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.84/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $49,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,606. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $953.55 | $4,132 | $49,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $572.13 | $2,479 | $29,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.42 | $1,653 | $19,834 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Worcester) | $23.84 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $49,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.39% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,241.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.84/hr = $29,751/year (purchasing power: $29,019).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,584/year (purchasing power: $48,364).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Worcester grew 19.9% from $18.94/hr (2019) to $22.71/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.02/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
For medical assistants seeking part-time work, especially those covering 24 hours a week, the annual income can significantly differ from full-time roles. While a full-time medical assistant earns a stable salary, part-time workers might take home around $29,000, depending on availability of shifts. Per diem medical assistants often command rates between $20 and $30 per hour, although those in specialized fields, such as dermatology or plastics, frequently earn even more. For instance, per diem rates can climb to between $25 and $38. This variance in pay underscores the different potential earnings based on work settings, which include primary care offices, urgent care facilities, and specialty practices. Many in this role face a choice between lower hourly rates with comprehensive health benefits or higher pay without such perks, necessitating smart negotiation strategies tailored to Worcester's job market. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring medical assistants navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Worcester 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 Worcester. 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