Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $24.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Murrieta, CA runs $24.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,768 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,061 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murrieta, California, medical assistants earn a median hourly pay of $24.89, which surpasses the national median of $23.06. This competitive rate allows for substantial earnings, particularly for part-time professionals who work approximately three days a week in various settings, such as primary care exam rooms and urgent care centers. The hourly wage ranges from $19.85 for entry-level positions to $32.96 for top earners, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field. Given that many employers factor in annual salary data when computing hourly rates, medical assistants in Murrieta can expect a structured pay scale that offers clear opportunities for advancement.
About the Murrieta 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) | $19.85 | $158.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.01 | $168.12 |
| Median (P50) | $24.89 | $199.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.80 | $222.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.96 | $263.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $24.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.89/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,866. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $995.54 | $4,314 | $51,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.32 | $2,588 | $31,061 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.21 | $1,726 | $20,707 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Murrieta) | $24.89 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $51,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.94% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 0.20% below the California state average of $51,872.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.89/hr = $31,061/year (purchasing power: $27,463).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,768/year (purchasing power: $45,772).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Murrieta grew 31.3% from $18.06/hr (2019) to $23.71/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.13/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
For those opting for part-time work, taking on a 24-hour week can translate to an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts but still competitive within the industry. Per-diem medical assistant pay in Murrieta typically ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, although specialty practices like dermatology and plastics can offer rates between $25 and $38 per hour, with urgent care roles occasionally including shift bonuses of $50-$150 on top of base pay. Hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer, with primary care offices generally offering lower rates compared to urgent care chains and specialty clinics. Many medical assistants may choose positions with lower rates that include health benefits, balancing income with job security. Negotiating pay is also critical; being informed about industry standards and articulating your value can make a difference in securing competitive hourly wages in Murrieta.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Murrieta?
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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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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