Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Cleveland, OH: $22.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Cleveland, OH runs $22.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,008 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.9, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,602 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cleveland, Ohio, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.12 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.06. This figure reflects the compensation landscape for medical assistants in various settings including primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, urgent care facilities, and hospital outpatient clinics. For part-time medical assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a stable income while also allowing flexibility in their work-life balance. Typically, the hourly range for medical assistants in Cleveland stretches from $18.73 for entry-level positions to $27.68 for more experienced professionals, highlighting opportunities for advancement within this growing field.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.73 | $149.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.60 | $156.78 |
| Median (P50) | $22.12 | $176.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.94 | $191.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.68 | $221.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $22.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.12/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, OH can expect to earn approximately $46,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,541. With a cost-of-living index of 93.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $884.69 | $3,834 | $46,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $530.81 | $2,300 | $27,602 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.87 | $1,533 | $18,401 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Cleveland) | $22.12 |
| 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 Cleveland, OH earn a median of $46,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.07% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 1.50% above the Ohio state average of $45,328.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.12/hr = $27,602/year (purchasing power: $29,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,004/year (purchasing power: $48,980).
CoL index: 93.923 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Cleveland grew 25.4% from $16.80/hr (2019) to $21.07/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.22/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
For those considering part-time work, a medical assistant on a three-day-a-week schedule can expect to bring home a significantly reduced annual income compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem opportunities offer more variability, with medical assistant pay in Cleveland ranging from $20 to $30 per hour for general roles, and going as high as $25 to $38 per hour in specialty practices like dermatology and plastics. Urgent care facilities may also provide additional stipends for shifts extending beyond standard hours. Employers such as primary care offices, urgent care chains, and corporate health clinics each have their own pay structures, which can affect overall earnings. While some medical assistants may prefer lower-paying jobs with health benefits, others might negotiate for higher hourly rates without benefits based on personal circumstances. Understanding the nuances of compensation can empower medical assistants in Cleveland to make informed choices about their careers.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Cleveland 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 Cleveland. 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