Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Dundalk, MD: $40,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Dundalk, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,186 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dundalk's local price level (BEA RPP 109.3 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,767 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,632) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Securing a position as a medical assistant in Dundalk promises solid earning potential for entry-level candidates. In 2026, the starting medical assistant salary in Dundalk is projected at around $40,186, which positions new graduates somewhat below the city’s median annual salary of $50,632. However, early-career professionals can expect to see their compensation increase as they gain experience, moving toward the $42,430 percentile within just a few years. For recent graduates entering the workforce, this trajectory reflects a growth outlook of 4.97%, suggesting that Dundalk is currently a favorable market for those entering the medical assistant field, with ample opportunities for salary advancement.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dundalk
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 Dundalk
Entry-level medical assistants in Dundalk, MD typically start between $40,186 and $42,430 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,425 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,632 — 5.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Maryland of $9,000 represents just 22.40% of the starting medical assistant pay ($40,186/year) in Dundalk. 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 Dundalk
- 1Research the Dundalk market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $40,186 to $42,430, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dundalk, 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 Dundalk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dundalk'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 Dundalk is $24,425 ( 60.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,186, experienced hygienists can earn up to $64,611.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,419
2025 BLS Actual
$38,283
2026 Current Est.
$40,186
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,419 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,598 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,871 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,575 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,021 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,283 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,183 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Dundalk, MD grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,419 in 2019 to $38,283 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,183. New graduates entering the Dundalk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dundalk 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 Dundalk
Various employers in Dundalk actively recruit new medical assistants, primarily focusing on staffing primary care facilities and urgent care chains that provide structured onboarding for entry-level roles. While specialty practices, such as those in dermatology or orthopedics, may require 1-2 years of experience, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) often offer unique positions that include NHSC loan repayment plans and bilingual premiums. Graduates looking to enhance their employability may benefit from obtaining a diploma or associate degree from an accredited medical assistant program, alongside national certifications like CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), CCMA (NHA), or NCMA (NCCT). For new medical assistants, realistic salary growth in their first three years can be guided by the rapid expansion of the MA workforce, particularly in primary care and urgent care settings where demand is surging. Full knowledge of this environment, including specialty practices that can offer 20-40% higher pay, will be vital for people aiming to ascend from entry-level positions to more lucrative roles in the future.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
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 Dundalk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dundalk 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