Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Milpitas, CA: $24.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Milpitas, CA runs $24.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Milpitas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,209 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, medical assistants in Milpitas, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $24.21, which exceeds the national hourly median of $23.06. This competitive rate is promising for those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, as well as per-diem positions across various medical settings including primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, urgent care facilities, and hospital outpatient clinics. The hourly wage range in this city starts at approximately $19.39 for entry-level positions and can rise to about $31.93 for top earners. Such pay rates provide flexibility for those seeking to balance other commitments while earning a reasonable income in a vital healthcare role.
About the Milpitas Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.39 | $155.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.42 | $163.33 |
| Median (P50) | $24.21 | $193.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.55 | $212.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.93 | $255.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milpitas
Based on $24.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.21/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milpitas, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,349 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,047. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Milpitas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milpitas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $968.24 | $4,196 | $50,349 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $580.95 | $2,517 | $30,209 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.30 | $1,678 | $20,139 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Milpitas) | $24.21 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Milpitas, CA earn a median of $50,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 3.00% below the California state average of $51,902.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.21/hr = $30,209/year (purchasing power: $26,710).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,349/year (purchasing power: $44,517).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Milpitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Milpitas grew 31.3% from $17.56/hr (2019) to $23.06/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.41/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milpitas 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Milpitas
For part-time medical assistants working in Milpitas, the annual earning potential can be substantial even on a reduced schedule. A 24-hour work week could yield roughly $50,345, demonstrating that even part-time roles in this industry can be financially viable. In terms of per-diem medical assistant pay in Milpitas, hourly rates can fluctuate significantly; while general positions may earn between $20-$30, those in specialty practices such as dermatology or orthopedics may command $25-$38. Urgent care shift stipends can add $50-$150 on top of base pay for those willing to work longer hours. Employers vary in terms of pay structure, with primary care offices typically offering lower rates than urgent care chains or specialty practices, though higher hourly wages often come without benefits. Thus, many medical assistants may opt for lower pay that includes health benefits, balancing hourly compensation with essential needs. When negotiating pay, it’s essential to highlight specific skills and certifications such as those from AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT to secure a fair wage in the competitive market of Milpitas.
More salary data for Milpitas, CA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Milpitas. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Milpitas 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