Medical Assistant Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $40,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $40,842/year (≈ $19.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $39,576 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, individuals pursuing medical assistant roles in Portsmouth, Virginia can expect a median annual salary of $40,842, reflecting local market conditions derived from 2025 BLS estimates. The salary range spans from $32,488 at the lower end to $52,131 for those in the top percentile. While this compensation level is competitive, it falls about 14.84% behind the national median of $47,961. For many, transitioning from medical assistant to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) can enhance long-term career prospects and salary potential significantly, providing essential skills in a rapidly growing healthcare sector. Medical assistants in Portsmouth often serve as the backbone of medical facilities, positioning themselves in a stable job market that is critical to patient care and support.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,488 | $15.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,312 | $16.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,842 | $19.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,704 | $21.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,131 | $25.07 |
Median Salary Position
14.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,643 (2026 est.). At $40,842, the local median is 14.84% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $40,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,192 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -14.84% less |
Medical Assistants in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $40,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.84% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $42,192.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,842 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,576 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,634
2025 BLS Actual
$38,908
2026 Current Est.
$40,842
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,634 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,529 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,589 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,766 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,908 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,872 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $29,634 (2019) to $38,908 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,872 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,238 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $32,488 – $34,312 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,312 – $40,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,842 – $43,704 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,704 – $52,131 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Portsmouth
The current job market in Portsmouth employs 17 medical assistants, demonstrating a localized demand for these healthcare professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which is slightly above the national average, take-home pay will also reflect this regional economic factor. Employers favoring higher compensation typically include specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics, where the pay can exceed that of primary care settings. Additionally, factors such as bilingual skills and certification beyond a basic medical assistant qualification—such as proficiency in phlebotomy or EKG—can lead to higher wages. Medical assistants who strategically seek employment in urgent care facilities or corporate occupational health settings might also benefit from premium shifts. Focusing on skill enhancement and specializations through credentials from organizations like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT can provide a step up in salary within Portsmouth.
More salary data for Portsmouth, 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 $38,908 for medical assistantsin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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