Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Albany, NY: $22.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Albany, NY runs $22.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,100 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Albany's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,257 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albany, NY, the projected medical assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $22.64, which is slightly below the national median of $23.06. This hourly wage enables medical assistants to sustain a viable income, whether they work full-time, part-time (typically three days a week), or on a per-diem basis. In practical terms, for medical assistants typically engaged in primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, and urgent care facilities, the hourly pay translates into manageable compensation for everyday living expenses. The hourly range for medical assistants in Albany starts at $18.95, marking the earnings for entry-level positions, and goes up to $25.27 for top earners, offering a clear progression as one gains experience and potentially additional certifications.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.95 | $151.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.48 | $155.86 |
| Median (P50) | $22.64 | $181.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.23 | $193.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.27 | $202.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Albany
Based on $22.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.64/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Albany, NY can expect to earn approximately $47,095 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,170. With a cost-of-living index of 99.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Albany.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Albany
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $905.68 | $3,925 | $47,095 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.41 | $2,355 | $28,257 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.27 | $1,570 | $18,838 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Albany) | $22.64 |
| 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 Albany, NY earn a median of $47,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.80% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 1.40% above the New York state average of $46,450.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.64/hr = $28,257/year (purchasing power: $28,380).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,095/year (purchasing power: $47,301).
CoL index: 99.566 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Albany grew 29.9% from $16.60/hr (2019) to $21.57/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.77/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 Albany 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 Albany
For those considering part-time work, a medical assistant in Albany working three days a week (24 hours) could expect to earn around $29,000 annually, which differs significantly from the full-time average. The per diem medical assistant pay in Albany can vary greatly; while most per-diem MAs range from $20 to $30 per hour, specialty practices, such as those in dermatology and plastics, can command between $25 and $38 per hour. Additionally, working in urgent care settings can provide lucrative stipends for longer shifts, often adding $50 to $150 in bonuses. Variations in hourly rates depend largely on the type of employer, with primary care physician offices generally offering lower pay compared to specialty practices, urgent care chains, and hospital outpatient clinics. Finding a balance between hourly pay and benefits is crucial, as some medical assistants might accept lower rates at jobs offering health insurance, compared to opportunities with no benefits but a higher hourly wage. Negotiation strategies tailored to the Albany job market can be beneficial, particularly for those with advanced certifications through the AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, as these credentials can enhance leverage in pay discussions.
More salary data for Albany, NY:
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 Albany. 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