Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Billerica, MA: $37,638 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,638 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,689 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,677) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical assistant field in Billerica, Massachusetts, the starting salary presents a competitive landscape. In 2026, entry-level medical assistants can expect to earn around $37,638, which is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $48,677 for the city. This gap indicates that while graduates may begin at the lower end of the pay spectrum, there is substantial potential for salary growth as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals may see their earnings rise toward the P25 bracket of $42,765, paving the way for a rewarding career. With a robust 4.97% annual growth rate projected for this role, Billerica is positioning itself as a favorable market for new graduates eager to embark on their careers.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica
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 Billerica
Entry-level medical assistants in Billerica, MA typically start between $37,638 and $42,765 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,760 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,677 — 1.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Massachusetts of $14,000 represents just 37.20% of the starting medical assistant pay ($37,638/year) in Billerica. 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 Billerica
- 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $37,638 to $42,765, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billerica, 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 Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billerica'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 Billerica is $24,760 ( 65.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,638, experienced hygienists can earn up to $62,398.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,681
2025 BLS Actual
$35,856
2026 Current Est.
$37,638
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,681 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,785 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,226 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,801 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,856 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,638 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,509 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,681 in 2019 to $35,856 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,509. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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 Billerica
Employers in Billerica actively seek out recently trained medical assistants, primarily filling positions in primary care offices and urgent care centers, which often offer structured onboarding programs. However, it's worth noting that specialty practices like dermatology and orthopedics may prefer candidates with one to two years of experience, though they tend to offer higher compensation—often 20-40% more. Graduates who hold credentials such as a diploma or associate's degree from an accredited program, along with certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, may find themselves in a better position to negotiate for starting medical assistant pay in MA. Enhancements in skill sets, whether through BLS certification, phlebotomy, or EKG training, can also contribute to upward mobility in salary during the first three years. In this thriving market, recent graduates should be prepared for a gradual increase in their earnings as they capitalize on the high demand for medical assistants in the region.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
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 Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica 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