Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $24.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Tustin, CA runs $24.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,824 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,100 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For medical assistants in Tustin, California, the projected median hourly rate for 2026 stands at $24.92, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.06. This elevated pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings, including primary care exam rooms, urgent care facilities, and specialty practices. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants, often working three days a week or on a flexible schedule, can expect to earn between $19.01 and $31.88 per hour, depending on their experience and the nature of their employment. The wide range in hourly pay highlights opportunities for entry-level workers earning closer to $19.01, while seasoned professionals in more specialized settings could command rates approaching $31.88.
About the Tustin 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) | $19.01 | $152.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.39 | $163.08 |
| Median (P50) | $24.92 | $199.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.65 | $213.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.88 | $255.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $24.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.92/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,833 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,904. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $996.80 | $4,319 | $51,833 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $598.08 | $2,592 | $31,100 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.72 | $1,728 | $20,733 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Tustin) | $24.92 |
| 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 Tustin, CA earn a median of $51,824 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.05% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 0.10% below the California state average of $51,876.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.92/hr = $31,100/year (purchasing power: $27,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,833/year (purchasing power: $45,830).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Tustin grew 31.3% from $18.08/hr (2019) to $23.74/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.16/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 Tustin 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 Tustin
Exploring part-time earnings shows that a medical assistant working three days a week can expect to take home a substantial income, although it may not equate to that of a full-time position. Per diem medical assistant pay in Tustin varies widely; typical hourly rates hover between $20 and $30, but those in specialized areas such as dermatology or plastics may see rates rise to between $25 and $38. In urgent care, a 12-hour shift can mean an additional stipend of $50 to $150, adding to base pay. Employers such as corporate clinics, primary care offices, and urgent care chains all offer diverse compensation structures, causing hourly rates to fluctuate. Consequently, some medical assistants may opt for lower hourly rates that include health benefits, while others might choose higher pay without such advantages. For hourly workers in Tustin, negotiating for better rates can be essential, especially by emphasizing specialized skills and certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA and AMT, contributing to a competitive edge in the local job market.
More salary data for Tustin, 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 Tustin. 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 Tustin 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