Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $28.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Bellingham, WA runs $28.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,263 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,157 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Bellingham, Washington, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $28.97, significantly above the national median of $23.06. This competitive pay level opens doors for both part-time and per-diem positions, enhancing the appeal of this career in various healthcare settings such as primary care exam rooms and specialty practices. With a robust hourly range starting at $24.03 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $32.05 for top earners, this profession offers substantial opportunities for growth and specialization. Such pay reflects the demand for skilled medical assistants in Bellingham, where the sector is anticipated to flourish due to a heightened emphasis on healthcare services.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.03 | $192.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.13 | $201.04 |
| Median (P50) | $28.97 | $231.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.74 | $245.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.05 | $256.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $28.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.97/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $60,261 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,766. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,158.87 | $5,022 | $60,261 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.32 | $3,013 | $36,157 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.55 | $2,009 | $24,104 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Bellingham) | $28.97 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $60,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.65% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 3.10% above the Washington state average of $58,451.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.97/hr = $36,157/year (purchasing power: $34,990).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,261/year (purchasing power: $58,317).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Bellingham grew 40.0% from $19.71/hr (2019) to $27.60/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.41/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
When considering part-time work, a medical assistant who operates three days a week (totaling 24 hours) can earn a substantial sum annually. For instance, with an hourly wage of $28.97, the yearly take-home can be around $45,000, illustrating the viability of part-time options. Per diem medical assistants in Bellingham typically enjoy flexible schedules but can face varying pay rates; general shifts usually yield $20 to $30 per hour, while specialty practices like dermatology can command between $25 and $38 per hour. Employers such as urgent care chains and federal clinics often compete for talent, offering varied pay based on the practice and shift type. MAs may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can be neglected in per diem positions. Negotiation strategies can be particularly valuable for hourly employees to understand their worth in this dynamic climate, especially in a city like Bellingham where the demand for medical assistants continues to grow.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
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 Bellingham. 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