Medical Assistant Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $45,965 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $45,965/year (≈ $22.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $44,540 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.9% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical assistant salary in Chesapeake is projected to reach a median annual figure of $45,965. This represents a competitive rate compared to the national median of $47,961, allowing for some variability as local opportunities and the cost of living take shape. The salary range for this role in Chesapeake spans from $33,221 at the lower end to $64,191 for those in the top percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and reflect both the local job market trends and regional price parities. As Chesapeake's healthcare sector continues to grow, medical assistants will find themselves in a position to leverage their skills into higher-paying roles, especially as they consider paths to licensure as LPNs or RNs.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,221 | $15.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,111 | $18.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,965 | $22.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,953 | $24.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,191 | $30.86 |
Median Salary Position
4.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,970 (2026 est.). At $45,965, the local median is 4.16% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $45,965/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,209 | +8.90% more |
| National Average | $47,961 | -4.16% less |
Medical Assistants in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $45,965 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 8.90% above the Virginia state average of $42,209.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $45,965 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,540 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,352
2025 BLS Actual
$43,789
2026 Current Est.
$45,965
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,352 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,358 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,678 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,253 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,683 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,789 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,965 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,250 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $33,352 (2019) to $43,789 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,250 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,898 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $33,221 – $39,111 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,111 – $45,965 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,965 – $51,953 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,953 – $64,191 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Chesapeake
Currently, Chesapeake employs approximately 63 medical assistants, showcasing a steady demand for professionals in this field. With a cost of living index at 103.2, this adds a layer of complexity to take-home pay, meaning that medical assistant pay in Chesapeake VA must stretch further to maintain a comfortable standard of living. Employers such as specialty practices in dermatology and orthopedics typically offer higher wages than primary care settings and urgent care chains, with pay differing based on certifications and skills. For instance, bilingual medical assistants may command a premium, while those with additional certifications like phlebotomy and EKG can negotiate for better salaries. To maximize earning potential in Chesapeake, candidates should focus on obtaining relevant certifications from respected bodies such as AAMA or NHA and consider roles in specialties where the demand—and pay—is higher.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
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 $43,789 for medical assistantsin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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