Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Plant City, FL: $19.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Plant City, FL runs $19.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,079 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Plant City's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,642 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Plant City, Florida, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected at $19.74 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.06. This hourly figure is critical for those considering part-time roles or per-diem opportunities in various healthcare environments, including primary care exam rooms and urgent care intake stations. Part-time medical assistants working three days a week typically earn around $946 weekly for a 24-hour work schedule. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $16.08 per hour, while seasoned professionals can expect to earn upwards of $25.15 per hour. It's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary projections and reflect the local economic landscape in Plant City.
Focusing on the earning potential for part-time medical assistants, those working 24 hours a week take home about $49,176 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem medical assistant pay in Plant City varies widely; many professionals in this role bill between $20 and $30 per hour, with specialty practices such as dermatology and plastics attracting rates from $25 to $38 hourly. In urgent care, full shifts can offer stipends that increase total earnings by $50 to $150 on top of base pay. Hourly pay also fluctuates depending on employer types. For example, primary care practices and federally qualified health centers may not offer the highest rates but often provide health benefits, whereas urgent care facilities and specialty practices may pay more but without additional perks. This trade-off is a common consideration, with professionals weighing the benefits of stability against potentially higher pay in less stable settings. When negotiating, medical assistants in Plant City should consider their unique skill set and the industry’s rapid growth—especially with organizations that recognize certifications from AAMA, AMT, NHA, and NCCT.
About the Plant City Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.08 | $128.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.81 | $134.45 |
| Median (P50) | $19.74 | $157.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.19 | $169.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.15 | $201.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plant City
Based on $19.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.74/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plant City, FL can expect to earn approximately $41,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,694. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Plant City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plant City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $789.79 | $3,422 | $41,069 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $473.88 | $2,053 | $24,642 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $315.92 | $1,369 | $16,428 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Plant City) | $19.74 |
| 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 Plant City, FL earn a median of $41,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.35% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 5.30% below the Florida state average of $43,378.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.74/hr = $24,642/year (purchasing power: $24,446).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,069/year (purchasing power: $40,743).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Plant City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Plant City grew 31.3% from $14.33/hr (2019) to $18.81/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.73/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 Plant City 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.
More salary data for Plant City, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Plant City 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 Plant City. 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 Plant City 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