Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $23.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Bethlehem, PA runs $23.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,817 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,292 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the medical assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $23.47, slightly above the national median of $23.06. This competitive rate provides substantial opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers operating within a range of healthcare settings, including primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, urgent care intake stations, and outpatient clinics. For entry-level medical assistants, the hourly compensation begins at around $18.49, while top earners in more demanding roles can command up to $29.88 per hour. These estimates, derived from projected annual salary figures, reflect the growing demand for medical assistants across various fields in the region.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.49 | $147.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.63 | $157.04 |
| Median (P50) | $23.47 | $187.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.02 | $200.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.88 | $239.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $23.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.47/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $48,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,166. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $938.85 | $4,068 | $48,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.31 | $2,441 | $29,292 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.54 | $1,627 | $19,528 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Bethlehem) | $23.47 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $48,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.78% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 7.70% above the Pennsylvania state average of $45,327.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.47/hr = $29,292/year (purchasing power: $30,074).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,820/year (purchasing power: $50,123).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Bethlehem grew 31.3% from $17.03/hr (2019) to $22.36/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.64/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
Considering a part-time role, a medical assistant working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $27,348 annually. This figure contrasts significantly with full-time opportunities that can reach over $48,000 annually. Per diem medical assistants in Bethlehem typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with specialty practices such as dermatology or plastics paying up to $38. Additionally, urgent care facilities often offer stipends that enhance base compensation by $50 to $150 for long shifts. Hourly rates can vary based on the type of employer, with corporate occupational health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and specialty practices providing differing compensation structures. Many medical assistants weigh the decision of accepting lower hourly rates for the security of benefits against pursuing higher wages without such perks. For those negotiating hourly pay in Bethlehem, understanding the local job market and emphasizing their specialized skills can be crucial to maximizing their earnings.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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