Medical Assistant Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $44,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Wilkes-Barre, PA earns a median $44,621/year (≈ $21.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Wilkes-Barre's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $45,812 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, can expect a median annual salary of $44,621. This figure reflects the local job market's dynamics and showcases a salary range from $35,503 at the 10th percentile to $55,848 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from state-level BLS data and regional price parity adjustments, illustrate how the medical assistant pay in Wilkes-Barre PA compares to national trends. Overall, it benchmarks slightly lower than the national median of $47,961, emphasizing the need for prospective medical assistants to consider their long-term career progression. Transitioning from a medical assistant role to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) can lead to higher earning potential and enhanced job opportunities across the healthcare landscape in this region.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,503 | $17.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,361 | $17.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,621 | $21.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,292 | $22.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,848 | $26.85 |
Median Salary Position
6.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilkes-Barre
In Wilkes-Barre, PA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,345 (2026 est.). At $44,621, the local median is 6.96% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilkes-Barre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilkes-Barre Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Wilkes-Barre median: $44,621/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilkes-Barre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $45,346 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -6.96% less |
Medical Assistants in Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $44,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $45,346.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilkes-Barre has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilkes-Barre, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $44,621 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,812 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,376
2025 BLS Actual
$42,508
2026 Current Est.
$44,621
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,376 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,605 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,075 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,508 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,838 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $32,376 (2019) to $42,508 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,838 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,462 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $35,503 – $37,361 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,361 – $44,621 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,621 – $47,292 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,292 – $55,848 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Wilkes-Barre
With only 11 medical assistants currently employed in Wilkes-Barre, the local job market offers modest opportunities, particularly when factoring in the area's cost of living index of 97.4. This lower-than-average index suggests that medical assistant salaries can provide a reasonable standard of living, but increased earnings potential is linked to familiarity with local healthcare facilities. Employers such as specialty practices, including dermatology and orthopedics, tend to offer higher compensation, while urgent care chains also pay competitive rates. Various factors contribute to salary differences, including specialization, bilingual capabilities, and additional certifications. By obtaining credentials through organizations like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, individuals can maximize their medical assistant pay in Wilkes-Barre PA. Building skills in high-demand areas can lead to better offers and job security in this evolving sector.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
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 $42,508 for medical assistantsin the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre 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