Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $23.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Charleston, SC runs $23.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,866 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,716 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, SC, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to be $23.01 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $23.06. This figure reflects the potential earnings for a variety of working arrangements, including part-time positions typically occupied three days a week, which make it feasible to work in environments like primary care exam rooms, specialty clinics, urgent care facilities, and corporate health settings. For entry-level medical assistants, hourly wages start around $18.15, while top earners can expect up to $24.93 per hour, according to official BLS data. These earnings highlight a growing demand for medical assistants within the healthcare system, where hourly rates vary based on experience and working conditions.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.15 | $145.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.51 | $156.11 |
| Median (P50) | $23.01 | $184.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.34 | $194.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.93 | $199.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $23.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.01/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $47,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,611. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $920.38 | $3,988 | $47,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $552.23 | $2,393 | $28,716 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.15 | $1,595 | $19,144 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Charleston) | $23.01 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $47,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.20% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 11.60% above the South Carolina state average of $42,891.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.01/hr = $28,716/year (purchasing power: $28,442).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,860/year (purchasing power: $47,404).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Charleston grew 30.8% from $16.76/hr (2019) to $21.92/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.15/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
For those considering part-time work, a medical assistant in Charleston working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would take home approximately $28,800 annually, which is a notable difference from full-time salaries. Per diem roles present another lucrative option, as these medical assistants typically bill at ranges of $20-$30 per hour, while specialty practices like dermatology may offer rates from $25 to $38 per hour. Urgent care facilities may also provide additional stipends for longer shifts, further boosting overall compensation. However, hourly pay varies across different types of employers—from primary care offices to urgent care chains, specialty clinics, and hospital outpatient facilities, each offering distinct value propositions, like benefits versus higher hourly rates. It's essential for medical assistants in Charleston to consider their priorities, whether that means negotiating for health insurance or seeking out the highest possible hourly pay while balancing benefits carefully.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Charleston?
Are medical assistants in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Charleston?
Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
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 Charleston. 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