Medical Assistant Salary in Sterling, VA: $40,498 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Sterling, VA earns a median $40,498/year (≈ $19.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $39,242 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Sterling, Virginia, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $40,498, which is notably lower than the national average of $47,961. The salary range for this profession locally spans from $33,870 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $51,192 at the upper end (90th percentile). Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, indicate that medical assistant pay in Sterling is reflective of a market where specialty practices, such as dermatology and orthopedics, command a notable premium over positions in primary care. This pay gradient is significant in shaping employment opportunities, especially as the healthcare landscape continues to grow.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,870 | $16.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,547 | $16.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,498 | $19.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,230 | $20.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,192 | $24.62 |
Median Salary Position
15.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,322 (2026 est.). At $40,498, the local median is 15.56% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Sterling median: $40,498/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,230 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -15.56% less |
Medical Assistants in Sterling, VA earn a median of $40,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.56% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $42,230.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,498 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $39,242 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,385
2025 BLS Actual
$38,581
2026 Current Est.
$40,498
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,272 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,404 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,315 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,465 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,608 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,581 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,498 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,511 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $29,385 (2019) to $38,581 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,511 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,126 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $33,870 – $34,547 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,547 – $40,498 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,498 – $43,230 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,230 – $51,192 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Sterling
In terms of job opportunities, Sterling currently employs around seven medical assistants, illustrating a tight labor market in this area. The local cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, meaning that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which can impact the purchasing power of take-home salaries. Among local employers, specialty practices and urgent care chains, such as CityMD and MedExpress, tend to offer higher compensation compared to primary care offices. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include a specialty practice premium, bilingual capabilities, and additional certifications like phlebotomy or EKG. To maximize earning potential in Sterling, aspiring medical assistants should focus on obtaining certifications, exploring roles in specialty practices, and consider furthering their education to bridge into LPN or RN pathways, given the demand for skilled healthcare professionals in various sectors.
More salary data for Sterling, 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 $38,581 for medical assistantsin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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