Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Ponce, PR: $30.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Ponce, PR runs $30.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,972 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Puerto Rico's regional price level (BEA RPP 75.0, 25% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,781 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
At $30.27 per hour, medical assistant hourly pay in Ponce, PR, significantly surpasses the national average of $23.06 per hour. This substantial difference makes the profession appealing not just for full-time employees but also for those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities. With this hourly rate, medical assistants working three days a week in settings such as primary care exam rooms, urgent care intake stations, and specialty practice procedure rooms can benefit from a stable income while balancing other commitments. For entry-level positions, the hourly range starts at approximately $17.15, while top earners can make up to $30.40, reflecting the potential for growth and advancement within the field. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlights the strong demand for medical assistants in Ponce.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.15 | $137.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.27 | $242.19 |
| Median (P50) | $30.27 | $242.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.27 | $242.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.40 | $243.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ponce
Based on $30.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.27/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ponce, PR can expect to earn approximately $62,969 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,328.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ponce
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,210.93 | $5,247 | $62,969 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $726.56 | $3,148 | $37,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $484.37 | $2,099 | $25,187 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Ponce) | $30.27 |
| 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 Ponce, PR earn a median of $62,972 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.30% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 75.10% above the Puerto Rico state average of $35,963.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Ponce (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $10.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $11.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Ponce grew 31.3% from $21.97/hr (2019) to $28.84/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.78/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 Ponce 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 Ponce
Considering the earning potential for a part-time medical assistant, working 24 hours per week could lead to an annual income that differs notably from full-time wages. While a full-time role typically provides higher overall compensation, part-time workers can strategically manage their hours to fit personal schedules. Per diem medical assistant pay in Ponce can range from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialized positions in dermatology or plastic surgery commanding rates between $25 and $38 per hour. Urgent care facilities may offer additional stipends for long shifts, enhancing earnings further. In Ponce, hourly rates fluctuate depending on the employer, with primary care offices generally offering lower pay compared to urgent care chains or specialty practices. For medical assistants considering their options, the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance merit careful consideration. Tactful negotiation can be beneficial in these discussions, especially for those with certifications from recognized bodies such as AAMA, AMT, NHA, and NCCT.
More salary data for Ponce, PR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Ponce. 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, 4-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