Medical Assistant Salary in Amherst, MA: $49,808 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Amherst, MA earns a median $49,808/year (≈ $23.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $45,906 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Amherst, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $49,808, which is somewhat above the national median of $47,961. This figure showcases the growing demand and competitive compensation for this role in the local healthcare landscape. The salary range spans from $38,921 at entry-level positions (P10) to $61,259 for those at the higher end of experience and expertise (P90). These projections, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, reflect not only the local job market dynamics but also highlight opportunities for medical assistants to transition toward higher roles, such as LPN or RN, through foundational skills gained in this position. The job market in Amherst suggests potential growth, particularly as healthcare providers expand operations to meet increasing demand.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,921 | $18.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,059 | $21.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,808 | $23.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,131 | $25.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,259 | $29.45 |
Median Salary Position
3.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $22,338 (2026 est.). At $49,808, the local median is 3.85% above the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Amherst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Amherst Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Amherst median: $49,808/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $50,261 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | +3.85% more |
Medical Assistants in Amherst, MA earn a median of $49,808 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.85% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,261.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,808 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,906 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,141
2025 BLS Actual
$47,450
2026 Current Est.
$49,808
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,141 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,231 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,623 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,744 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,618 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,808 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,284 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $36,141 (2019) to $47,450 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,284 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,143 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,921 – $44,059 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,059 – $49,808 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,808 – $52,131 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,131 – $61,259 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Amherst
With only six medical assistants currently employed in Amherst, the job market for this profession remains relatively small yet focused, and the local cost-of-living index stands at 108.5, indicating that spending power may be somewhat limited compared to the national average. Common employers, such as urgent care chains and specialty practices, tend to offer more competitive salaries, particularly in areas like dermatology and orthopedics, where the premium can reach 20-40%. Factors influencing salary differentials include specialization, bilingual capabilities, certification levels, and potential lead responsibilities. To maximize pay in this specific market, aspiring medical assistants should pursue certifications endorsed by AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, consider specializing in high-demand fields, and leverage any bilingual skills they may possess. Strategies such as networking within local healthcare facilities and keeping up-to-date with industry trends will also be beneficial.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,450 for medical assistantsin the Amherst metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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