Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $31.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Seattle, WA runs $31.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,557 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,737 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, the medical assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $31.04, significantly higher than the national median of $23.06. This robust hourly rate benefits both part-time employees and per-diem workers typically found in various healthcare settings such as primary care exam rooms, specialty clinics, urgent care centers, and corporate health facilities. Entry-level medical assistants can expect to earn approximately $24.29 per hour, while those at the higher end of the spectrum can command rates up to $38.53 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projected for 2026 reflects the increasing demand for medical assistance roles, with over 10,210 medical assistants currently employed across the Seattle area.
Examining the part-time earning potential, a medical assistant working 24 hours a week may take home around $38,787 annually, which is significantly less than what full-timers earn but still substantial given the benefits of flexibility and lifestyle. Per diem medical assistant pay in Seattle can vary widely; while some may bill $20 to $30 per hour, those working in specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics can see rates between $25 and $38 per hour. Urgent care centers often provide additional stipends of $50 to $150 for longer shifts, illustrating the earning opportunities in diverse healthcare environments. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on type of employment, with primary care and urgent care clinics typically falling below specialty practices, which may pay a premium of 20-40% for skilled assistants. Many medical assistants must weigh the trade-offs between slightly lower hourly compensation and the security of health benefits that come with some full-time positions. For those looking to negotiate, understanding specific employer compensation structures and demonstrating certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT can position candidates favorably in the competitive Seattle job market.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.29 | $194.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.71 | $221.70 |
| Median (P50) | $31.04 | $248.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.75 | $277.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.53 | $308.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $31.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.04/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $64,562 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,248. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,241.59 | $5,380 | $64,562 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.95 | $3,228 | $38,737 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.63 | $2,152 | $25,825 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Seattle) | $31.04 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $64,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.60% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 10.40% above the Washington state average of $58,475.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.04/hr = $38,737/year (purchasing power: $34,857).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,562/year (purchasing power: $58,095).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Seattle grew 31.0% from $22.57/hr (2019) to $29.57/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.58/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 Seattle 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 Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Seattle in 2026?
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Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Seattle?
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 Seattle. 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