Medical Assistant Salary in Fairfax, VA: $40,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Fairfax, VA earns a median $40,297/year (≈ $19.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $39,047 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary projected at $40,297 in 2026, medical assistant pay in Fairfax, VA, reflects a competitive edge within the healthcare sector. The salary range spans from $33,163 at the 10th percentile to $48,961 at the 90th percentile, indicating substantial earning potential for those within the field. These local estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, which account for the area's cost of living. Despite the attractive compensation, it's important for aspiring medical assistants to understand that the salary aligns approximately 15.98% below the national median of $47,961 for the same year. Moving forward, those looking to bridge into licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) roles will find that this medical assistant groundwork can add significant long-term value to their career trajectory in Fairfax.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,163 | $15.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,330 | $16.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,297 | $19.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,097 | $20.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48,961 | $23.53 |
Median Salary Position
15.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,798 (2026 est.). At $40,297, the local median is 15.98% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $40,297/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,196 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -15.98% less |
Medical Assistants in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $40,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.98% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $42,196.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,297 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,047 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,239
2025 BLS Actual
$38,389
2026 Current Est.
$40,297
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,239 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,121 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,289 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,389 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,300 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $29,239 (2019) to $38,389 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,300 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,061 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $33,163 – $34,330 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,330 – $40,297 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,297 – $42,097 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,097 – $48,961 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Fairfax
Currently, there are four medical assistants employed in Fairfax, showcasing the demand within this localized job market. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, individuals working here need to consider the impact on their purchasing power. Employers like specialty practices in dermatology or plastic surgery tend to offer the highest compensation, with premiums that can range between 20-40% compared to standard primary care roles. Factors such as specialty focus, bilingual capabilities, certification stacking (like MA plus phlebotomy), and lead positions can create considerable variability in salaries. To maximize earning potential in Fairfax VA, medical assistants should consider obtaining additional certifications from recognized bodies such as AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, seeking employment with urgent care chains or corporate health clinics known for competitive pay structures.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical assistants make $100K in Fairfax?
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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 $38,389 for medical assistantsin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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