Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Gulfport, MS: $17.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Gulfport, MS runs $17.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,359 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Gulfport's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.0, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,415 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, medical assistants earn a median hourly rate of $17.96, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.06. This discrepancy highlights the regional cost of living and competitive market factors specific to the area. For part-time and per-diem workers, such as those working in primary care exam rooms or specialty practice procedure rooms, this hourly rate translates to a modest but sustainable income. Entry-level medical assistants can expect to earn around $14.78 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top of the scale may see rates up to $20.39. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026 indicates that, despite these lower figures, job opportunities in Gulfport continue to grow as the healthcare sector expands, particularly in outpatient services and corporate environments.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.78 | $118.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.67 | $125.38 |
| Median (P50) | $17.96 | $143.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.51 | $156.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $20.39 | $163.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gulfport
Based on $17.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.96/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gulfport, MS can expect to earn approximately $37,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,552. With a cost-of-living index of 90.01 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gulfport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gulfport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $718.41 | $3,113 | $37,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $431.05 | $1,868 | $22,415 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $287.37 | $1,245 | $14,943 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Gulfport) | $17.96 |
| 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 Gulfport, MS earn a median of $37,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.11% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 9.10% below the Mississippi state average of $41,099.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.96/hr = $22,415/year (purchasing power: $24,903).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,358/year (purchasing power: $41,506).
CoL index: 90.006 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Gulfport grew 26.5% from $13.53/hr (2019) to $17.11/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.85/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 Gulfport 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 Gulfport
Part-time medical assistants working three days a week (about 24 hours) would see an annual take-home pay considerably less than a full-time counterpart, reflecting the typical workweek for MAs in Gulfport. Per diem medical assistants can command a higher hourly wage, often billing rates of $20-$30 depending on the demand and specialty. For example, medical assistants in high-needs areas like dermatology or urgent care frequently see per-diem rates of $25-$38, with additional stipends for longer shifts. Employers such as urgent care chains and specialty practices may offer varying hourly rates based on their budget and the local market. It's common for some professionals to accept lower wages for the stability of health insurance benefits. When negotiating, MAs should consider the total compensation package as a whole, factoring in potential higher pay versus the security of employment benefits in Gulfport's healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
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 Gulfport. 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