Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Richmond, VA: $22.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Richmond, VA runs $22.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,701 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,021 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Richmond, Virginia, the projected median hourly pay for medical assistants is $22.45, positioning it slightly below the national median of $23.06. This hourly rate is quite beneficial for part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, allowing for a reasonable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem medical assistants typically find themselves working in various settings, including primary care exam rooms, urgent care facilities, and corporate health clinics. The hourly range for medical assistants in Richmond spans from approximately $19.08 for entry-level positions to about $23.69 for those nearing the top of the pay scale. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reflects the evolving landscape of the medical assistant profession in the region.
Considering a part-time medical assistant earning $22.45 hourly, working 24 hours a week would bring an annual take-home income of roughly $27,894, compared to full-time counterparts who benefit from higher total earnings. For those seeking per-diem positions, the earning potential can vary significantly; many bill between $20 and $30 per hour, while specialty practices can offer rates as high as $25 to $38 per hour. Additionally, urgent care facilities sometimes provide stipends of $50 to $150 for 12-hour shifts, adding to the appeal of these roles. Hourly rates differ across employer types, with primary care offices and urgent care facilities generally on the lower end, while specialty practices such as dermatology or orthopedics may offer enhanced compensation. Medical assistants might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, or vice versa, emphasizing the need to weigh financial needs against job security. When negotiating hourly pay in Richmond, staying informed about the local market and potential employer offerings can empower workers to make advantageous choices.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.08 | $152.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.55 | $156.36 |
| Median (P50) | $22.45 | $179.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.17 | $185.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.69 | $189.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $22.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.45/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, VA can expect to earn approximately $46,702 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,944. With a cost-of-living index of 97.86 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.12 | $3,892 | $46,702 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $538.87 | $2,335 | $28,021 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.25 | $1,557 | $18,681 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Richmond) | $22.45 |
| 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 Richmond, VA earn a median of $46,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 10.60% above the Virginia state average of $42,225.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.45/hr = $28,021/year (purchasing power: $28,635).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,702/year (purchasing power: $47,725).
CoL index: 97.858 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Richmond grew 31.4% from $16.28/hr (2019) to $21.39/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.57/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 Richmond 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.
More salary data for Richmond, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Richmond in 2026?
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Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
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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 Richmond. 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