Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in State College, PA: $21.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in State College, PA runs $21.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,843 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against State College's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.8, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,908 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In State College, Pennsylvania, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $21.56 in 2026. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $23.06, reflecting the area's cost of living index, which is below the national average. For part-time medical assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a solid income while allowing for flexible work arrangements in environments such as primary care facilities, urgent care clinics, and specialty practices. Entry-level medical assistants can expect to earn $18.02 per hour, while top earners in this field may make up to $23.35 per hour. This variation in the hourly range highlights the diverse opportunities available to medical assistants in State College, based on experience, setting, and specializations.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.02 | $144.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.47 | $155.78 |
| Median (P50) | $21.56 | $172.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.18 | $177.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.35 | $186.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in State College
Based on $21.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.56/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in State College, PA can expect to earn approximately $44,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,873. With a cost-of-living index of 96.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in State College.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in State College
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $862.43 | $3,737 | $44,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $517.46 | $2,242 | $26,908 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.97 | $1,495 | $17,939 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (State College) | $21.56 |
| 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 State College, PA earn a median of $44,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.50% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 1.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,342.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.56/hr = $26,908/year (purchasing power: $27,808).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,847/year (purchasing power: $46,347).
CoL index: 96.762 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in State College grew 33.6% from $15.37/hr (2019) to $20.54/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.63/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 State College 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 State College
Focusing on practical earnings, a medical assistant working part-time (24 hours weekly) could bring home about $26,864 annually, which is significantly lower than a full-time colleague. Per diem medical assistant pay in State College often ranges from $20 to $30 hourly, with those in specialty practices such as dermatology commanding rates between $25 and $38. Urgent care positions might offer additional stipends, which can further enhance take-home pay, especially for 12-hour shifts where bonuses of $50 to $150 are common. Employers like primary care offices, urgent care chains, and hospitals can offer varying pay structures, often reflecting the demand for skilled workers. While some may accept lower rates for the benefit of health insurance and job security, others may prefer higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating hourly wages, understanding the local market and emphasizing certifications from organizations like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT can be advantageous in securing better compensation.
More salary data for State College, 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 State College. 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