Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Erie, PA: $20.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Erie, PA runs $20.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,969 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Erie, Pennsylvania, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $20.01 in 2026, which is significantly below the national median of $23.06. This hourly rate means that part-time medical assistants working three days a week in various settings, including primary care exam rooms and urgent care facilities, can expect to earn a stable but modest income. For instance, entry-level medical assistants may start at approximately $17.68 per hour, while more experienced professionals can make up to $22.99 per hour, reflecting a growing demand in the local healthcare market. These figures are drawn from official BLS hourly data and highlight the expected earning potential in Erie as the role continues to gain traction across different healthcare environments.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.68 | $141.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.17 | $153.34 |
| Median (P50) | $20.01 | $160.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.92 | $175.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.99 | $183.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $20.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.01/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, PA can expect to earn approximately $41,615 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,009. With a cost-of-living index of 90.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $800.29 | $3,468 | $41,615 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $480.17 | $2,081 | $24,969 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $320.12 | $1,387 | $16,646 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Erie) | $20.01 |
| 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 Erie, PA earn a median of $41,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.24% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 8.20% below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,327.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.01/hr = $24,969/year (purchasing power: $27,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,615/year (purchasing power: $45,756).
CoL index: 90.95 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Erie grew 32.6% from $14.37/hr (2019) to $19.06/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.00/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 Erie 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 Erie
Examining the earning potential for part-time medical assistants reveals an intriguing picture. A medical assistant working 24 hours a week could earn around $24,917 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time counterparts who would gross much higher figures, typically seen in settings such as hospitals, specialty clinics, and corporate health environments. Per-diem medical assistant pay in Erie ranges widely, with typical rates around $20-$30/hour and some specialty practices offering as much as $38/hour. Urgent care facilities may incentivize longer shifts with stipends that add an extra $50-$150, making those opportunities attractive for hourly workers. The hourly rates can vary greatly based on employer type, with specialty practices generally paying a premium of 20-40% over primary care settings. Medical assistants face choices between higher hourly pay with no benefits or lower rates with comprehensive packages, which can impact overall job satisfaction and financial stability. Negotiation becomes key, especially for those seeking to maximize their earning potential against local cost-of-living considerations.
More salary data for Erie, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Erie in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Erie?
Are medical assistants in Erie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Erie?
Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Erie?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Erie. 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