Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Prior Lake, MN: $23.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Prior Lake, MN runs $23.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,859 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Prior Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,921 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical assistants in Prior Lake, Minnesota, can expect a median hourly pay of $23.98, which slightly surpasses the national median of $23.06. This competitive rate benefits those working part-time, such as those on a 3-day-a-week schedule, and allows for flexibility as per-diem workers in a variety of settings, including primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, urgent care facilities, and corporate clinics. The hourly pay range for medical assistants in the area varies significantly, starting from $18.93 for entry-level positions up to $31.17 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experience and specialization levels within the profession. These figures are drawn from projected salary estimates based on 2025 BLS data, indicating a positive outlook for those entering or advancing in this field.
About the Prior Lake Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.93 | $151.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.91 | $159.30 |
| Median (P50) | $23.98 | $191.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.75 | $198.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.17 | $249.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Prior Lake
Based on $23.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.98/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Prior Lake, MN can expect to earn approximately $49,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,770. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Prior Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Prior Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $959.01 | $4,156 | $49,868 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $575.40 | $2,493 | $29,921 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.60 | $1,662 | $19,947 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Prior Lake) | $23.98 |
| 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 Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $49,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.96% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $50,928.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.98/hr = $29,921/year (purchasing power: $30,377).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,868/year (purchasing power: $50,628).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Prior Lake grew 31.3% from $17.40/hr (2019) to $22.84/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.17/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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake
Workers in the Prior Lake medical assistant community should consider the differences in earning potential between full-time positions and part-time work. A medical assistant working three days a week (24 hours total) could realistically bring home around $29,934 annually, a significant amount, especially in a cost of living that is slightly below the national average. In contrast, per-diem opportunities, particularly in specialty practices like dermatology and orthopedics, can yield higher rates; workers in these roles commonly earn between $25 and $38 an hour. Furthermore, urgent care shifts lasting 12 hours can offer stipends ranging from $50 to $150, making agency work an attractive option. Employers such as primary care offices, urgent care chains, and federally qualified health centers in Prior Lake each offer varying hourly rates, often leading medical assistants to weigh the trade-offs between higher pay and essential benefits like health insurance. Successful negotiation strategies often hinge on knowledge of the local job market, with medical assistants advised to demonstrate credentials and highlight experience when discussing pay rates with potential employers.
More salary data for Prior Lake, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake. 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 Prior Lake 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