Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Golden, CO: $21.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Golden, CO runs $21.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,337 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Golden's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,607 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Golden, Colorado, medical assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $21.32, which falls below the national median of $23.06. This salary reflects the expected earnings for a variety of settings, including primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, urgent care centers, and hospital outpatient clinics. For a part-time medical assistant working three days a week, this rate translates to a consistent and manageable income that caters to those balancing additional commitments. Entry-level positions typically start around $18.11 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $26.38, depending on their work environment and specific skills. These hourly rates provide a solid framework for those entering the medical field, especially in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
About the Golden Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.11 | $144.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.52 | $148.13 |
| Median (P50) | $21.32 | $170.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.61 | $180.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.38 | $211.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Golden
Based on $21.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.32/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Golden, CO can expect to earn approximately $44,344 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,583. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Golden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Golden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $852.78 | $3,695 | $44,344 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $511.67 | $2,217 | $26,607 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $341.11 | $1,478 | $17,738 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Golden) | $21.32 |
| 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 Golden, CO earn a median of $44,337 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.56% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 8.00% below the Colorado state average of $48,193.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.32/hr = $26,607/year (purchasing power: $25,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,344/year (purchasing power: $42,233).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$15.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Golden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Golden grew 31.3% from $15.47/hr (2019) to $20.31/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.38/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 Golden 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 Golden
When considering part-time opportunities, a medical assistant working just 24 hours per week could take home approximately $26,519 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem medical assistant pay in Golden varies widely, with many reporting rates between $20 and $30 per hour; this can climb higher for specialty practices like dermatology or plastics, which may offer $25 to $38 per hour. Moreover, urgent care centers may provide additional stipends on 12-hour shifts, enhancing overall take-home pay. Hourly earnings tend to differ based on employer type, with primary care offices typically offering lower rates compared to corporate health clinics and outpatient services where benefits and health insurance play a decisive role in compensation packages. Medical assistants in Golden should weigh the option of lower pay with benefits versus higher pay without them and remember to negotiate their hourly rates thoughtfully, considering all aspects of the employment offer.
More salary data for Golden, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Golden in 2026?
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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 Golden. 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 Golden 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