Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in DeLand, FL: $35,922 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the DeLand, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,922 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out DeLand's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,637 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,082) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical assistant field in DeLand, Florida, the projected starting medical assistant salary in 2026 is around $35,922. This figure places entry-level positions below the city median of $42,082, illustrating a substantial gap that newcomers should anticipate. However, the growth potential is notable; as new medical assistants gain experience, they can expect to see their salaries increase from the P10 figure to $37,037 and beyond during the first few years in the profession. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.97% for this occupation, DeLand currently represents a promising market for aspiring medical assistants, particularly in primary care and urgent care settings where demand is on the rise.
About the DeLand Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in DeLand
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeLand
Entry-level medical assistants in DeLand, FL typically start between $35,922 and $37,037 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,128 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,082 — 12.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Florida of $6,000 represents just 16.70% of the starting medical assistant pay ($35,922/year) in DeLand. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP and ABHES-accredited medical assisting program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, private vocational) and program length.
MA, CMA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in DeLand
- 1Research the DeLand market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $35,922 to $37,037, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical assisting field — employers in FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in DeLand, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in DeLand for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5DeLand's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in DeLand is $18,128 ( 50.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,922, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,050.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,510
2025 BLS Actual
$34,221
2026 Current Est.
$35,922
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in DeLand (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $25,564 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,595 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,848 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,922 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,707 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in DeLand, FL grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,510 in 2019 to $34,221 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,707. New graduates entering the DeLand job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeLand 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.
Starting Your medical assisting Career in DeLand
Employers in DeLand that are actively seeking new medical assistants include primary care offices and urgent care chains, which often provide structured onboarding programs ideal for recent graduates. In contrast, specialty practices such as dermatology or orthopedic clinics typically prefer candidates with one to two years of experience. For those looking to boost their entry-level pay, obtaining credentials such as a diploma or associate degree from an accredited MA program, or achieving national certifications from AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, can be advantageous. The addition of certifications like BLS and optional phlebotomy or EKG skills can further enhance prospects. Over the first 1-3 years, new professionals in this role can realistically expect to see their salaries gradually rise, particularly with the dynamic growth in primary care and corporate occupational health, noting that specialty positions offer a premium of 20-40% over standard pay.
More salary data for DeLand, FL:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical assisting graduates. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in DeLand. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeLand 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