Medical Assistant Salary in Waynesboro, VA: $40,100 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Waynesboro, VA earns a median $40,100/year (≈ $19.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Waynesboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $38,857 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a medical assistant in Waynesboro, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $40,100, which is notably lower than the national median of $47,961. The salary range for this role varies significantly, from $32,793 at the 10th percentile to $50,646 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors to better reflect the local job market. Considering Waynesboro's position as a growing healthcare hub within Virginia, prospective medical assistants will find themselves well-positioned to bridge from assistant roles to licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) pathways, which is an advantageous long-term career strategy.
About the Waynesboro Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,793 | $15.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,917 | $16.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,100 | $19.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,839 | $19.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50,646 | $24.35 |
Median Salary Position
16.39% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waynesboro
In Waynesboro, VA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,853 (2026 est.). At $40,100, the local median is 16.39% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waynesboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waynesboro Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Waynesboro median: $40,100/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waynesboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $42,210 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -16.39% less |
Medical Assistants in Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $40,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.39% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $42,210.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waynesboro has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waynesboro, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $40,100 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $38,857 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,096
2025 BLS Actual
$38,201
2026 Current Est.
$40,100
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,096 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,094 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,997 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,116 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,218 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,201 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,100 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,093 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waynesboro metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $29,096 (2019) to $38,201 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,093 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,997 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waynesboro 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) | $32,793 – $33,917 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,917 – $40,100 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,100 – $40,839 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,839 – $50,646 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Waynesboro
Given the modest count of just four medical assistants employed in Waynesboro, the local job market may appear limited; however, there are opportunities for competitive pay, especially within specific healthcare settings. The cost-of-living index of 103.2 indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which could affect overall purchasing power. Employers, such as specialty practices in dermatology and orthopedics, typically offer higher salaries due to the specialized skills required, and may also add premiums for bilingual capabilities in languages like Spanish or Mandarin. Those aiming to increase their earnings should consider obtaining additional certifications, like phlebotomy or EKG, as these can lead to higher pay grades. In this evolving landscape of medical assistant pay in Waynesboro, VA, strategic career development is key to maximizing one's financial potential.
More salary data for Waynesboro, 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 $38,201 for medical assistantsin the Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro 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