Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Medford, MA: $41,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Medford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,157 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,933 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,669) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level medical assistant salary in Medford, Massachusetts starts at around $41,157, which reflects a typical beginning wage for new graduates in this field. Compared to the city’s median annual salary of $49,669, new medical assistants can expect to face a noticeable gap, especially as they navigate the early stages of their careers. However, the growth trajectory is promising; individuals can anticipate increases as they gain experience, moving from $41,157 at the 10th percentile to approximately $42,962 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median within their first few years. This positive economic outlook suggests that Medford is a viable market for those seeking employment as new graduates in medical assisting, particularly with ongoing workforce expansion in the healthcare sector.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level medical assistants in Medford, MA typically start between $41,157 and $42,962 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,331 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,669 — 3.56% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Massachusetts of $14,000 represents just 34.02% of the starting medical assistant pay ($41,157/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $41,157 to $42,962, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $24,331 ( 59.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,157, experienced hygienists can earn up to $65,488.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$28,082
2025 BLS Actual
$39,208
2026 Current Est.
$41,157
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,289 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,052 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,435 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,597 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,202 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, MA grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,082 in 2019 to $39,208 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,202. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
Employers in Medford that frequently hire new graduates include primary care offices and urgent care chains that typically provide structured onboarding for entry-level medical assistants. These environments are conducive to fostering skill development and career growth. In contrast, specialty practices, such as dermatology and orthopedics, may prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience. Those pursuing roles within Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) may benefit from unique incentives, such as NHSC loan repayment programs and bilingual premium opportunities. Holding credentials from accredited medical assistant programs, such as a diploma or associate's degree, alongside certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, can enhance starting medical assistant pay in MA. Additionally, individuals who invest in continuing education—such as phlebotomy or EKG certificates—will likely see their salary potential increase. Given that the medical assistant workforce is one of the fastest-growing sectors in healthcare, new graduates can realistically expect gradual pay raises in their first few years, especially as they explore opportunities across primary care, urgent care, and corporate health settings, where workforce demands are steadily on the rise.
More salary data for Medford, 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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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