Medical Assistant Salary in Suffolk, VA: $41,501 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Suffolk, VA earns a median $41,501/year (≈ $19.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $40,214 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Suffolk, Virginia can expect a median annual salary of $41,501, which is significantly lower than the national average of $47,961. The salary range reflects this disparity, with figures stretching from $34,102 at the 10th percentile to $55,821 at the 90th percentile. These statistics are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost of living factors. This financial context is essential for those considering a career as a medical assistant in Suffolk, particularly for individuals looking to bridge to roles such as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs), which can enhance their career trajectory and long-term earning potential.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,102 | $16.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,650 | $17.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,501 | $19.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43,661 | $20.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55,821 | $26.84 |
Median Salary Position
13.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,719 (2026 est.). At $41,501, the local median is 13.47% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $41,501/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,219 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -13.47% less |
Medical Assistants in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $41,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.47% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $42,219.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $41,501 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $40,214 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,113
2025 BLS Actual
$39,536
2026 Current Est.
$41,501
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,021 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,181 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,115 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,343 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,588 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,536 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,501 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,564 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $30,113 (2019) to $39,536 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,564 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,451 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $34,102 – $35,650 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,650 – $41,501 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,501 – $43,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $43,661 – $55,821 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Suffolk
As of now, there are 15 medical assistants employed in Suffolk, making the local job market relatively small but stable. The cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Employers in Suffolk that tend to offer higher compensation include specialty practices like dermatology and orthopedic clinics, which typically pay a premium due to the complexity of care. To maximize earning potential in this region, medical assistants should consider obtaining certifications that are valued in this competitive market, such as advanced qualifications in phlebotomy or EKG. Additionally, bilingual skills in languages such as Spanish or Mandarin can provide an edge, as can experience in urgent care settings where staffing needs may fluctuate, leading to differential pay. Understanding these market dynamics is critical for medical assistants aiming to enhance their pay and advance their careers in Suffolk, VA.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical assistants make $100K in Suffolk?
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Related Pages
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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 $39,536 for medical assistantsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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