Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $22.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Norfolk, VA runs $22.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,471 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,877 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the projected medical assistant hourly pay for 2026 is $22.34, which is just slightly lower than the national median of $23.06. This hourly rate reflects a competitive salary in the healthcare landscape, particularly for those working part-time as medical assistants in environments such as primary care exam rooms, urgent care intake stations, and specialty practice procedure rooms. With an hourly range extending from $16.44 for entry-level positions to $30.28 for more experienced professionals, the financial flexibility allows for various scheduling options, including three-day work weeks or per-diem opportunities. Health clinics, outpatient centers, and corporate occupational health environments in Norfolk all contribute to these figures, indicating a stable demand for skilled medical assistants.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.44 | $131.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.99 | $143.93 |
| Median (P50) | $22.34 | $178.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.65 | $197.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.28 | $242.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $22.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.34/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $46,462 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,805. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $893.50 | $3,872 | $46,462 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $536.10 | $2,323 | $27,877 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.40 | $1,549 | $18,585 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Norfolk) | $22.34 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $46,471 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.11% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 10.10% above the Virginia state average of $42,208.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.34/hr = $27,877/year (purchasing power: $27,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,462/year (purchasing power: $45,022).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$16.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Norfolk grew 31.3% from $16.21/hr (2019) to $21.28/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.45/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Examining potential earnings reveals how part-time medical assistants, typically working around 24 hours a week, can earn a respectable income compared to full-time workers. In 2026, part-time medical assistants would likely take home around $27,788 annually, notable as a supplementary income or flexible employment choice. Per diem positions for medical assistants often command rates between $20 and $30 per hour, with specialty practices seeing rates rise to between $25 and $38 hourly. Incentives in urgent care settings may provide additional stipends of $50 to $150 for 12-hour shifts, enhancing earning potential significantly. Hourly pay can vary widely across employer types in Norfolk, and while primary care offices may offer lower rates, places like federally qualified health centers or specialty practices might offer compensation that factors healthcare benefits. Thus, it’s essential for medical assistants to negotiate based on their qualifications, the specific demands of the role, and the benefits offered, ensuring they make informed choices about their career paths in this growing field.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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