Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $23.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Laurel, MD runs $23.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,882 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Maryland, the projected median hourly pay for medical assistants in 2026 is $23.94, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $23.06. This rate positions medical assistants well within the local market, making it feasible for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis to earn a decent income. For example, a medical assistant working three days a week could expect to take home approximately $1,932 monthly before taxes, working a total of 24 hours each week. Positions in various clinical settings such as primary care exam rooms, urgent care facilities, or specialty practices offer a salary range that varies from an entry-level rate of around $19.73 to a top-tier rate of $30.59, depending on experience and the specific demand of the employer.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.73 | $157.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.48 | $163.84 |
| Median (P50) | $23.94 | $191.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.83 | $206.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.59 | $244.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $23.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.94/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $49,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,732. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $957.75 | $4,150 | $49,803 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $574.65 | $2,490 | $29,882 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $383.10 | $1,660 | $19,921 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Laurel) | $23.94 |
| 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 Laurel, MD earn a median of $49,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $52,418.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.94/hr = $29,882/year (purchasing power: $27,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,803/year (purchasing power: $45,565).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Laurel grew 31.3% from $17.37/hr (2019) to $22.81/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.13/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
For those contemplating part-time positions, earnings significantly differ from those working full-time, with annual income reflecting the number of hours worked. A medical assistant working part-time at $23.94 transforms that hourly wage into around $46,400 yearly, which can be appealing for individuals balancing multiple responsibilities. Per diem medical assistant pay in Laurel can see rates ranging from $20 to $30 per hour; specialty practices may even offer $25 to $38 per hour due to higher demand and skill requirements. On the other hand, urgent care settings offering 12-hour shifts can provide added stipends ranging from $50 to $150, enhancing overall compensation. Employers, including primary care offices, specialty clinics, and corporate health centers, often present differing hourly rates influenced by the level of benefits they offer. Medical assistants intending to negotiate their hourly pay should consider the full value of benefits, such as health insurance, alongside their hourly rates, as accepting a lower wage might be more beneficial in terms of overall job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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