Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Northampton, MA: $23.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Northampton, MA runs $23.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,952 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Northampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,371 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northampton, Massachusetts, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $23.53 in 2026, slightly outpacing the national average of $23.06. This competitive rate presents an appealing opportunity for part-time or per-diem medical assistants, who may work in a variety of settings, such as primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, urgent care centers, and corporate clinics. For those starting in the field, entry-level rates begin around $19.59, while seasoned professionals can command $29.64 per hour, allowing for flexibility in work schedules. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary data estimates, providing a useful framework for understanding earning potential, especially for those interested in transitioning into part-time work or seeking per-diem opportunities that offer varied experiences in healthcare.
About the Northampton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.59 | $156.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.34 | $162.75 |
| Median (P50) | $23.53 | $188.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.06 | $200.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.64 | $237.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northampton
Based on $23.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.53/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northampton, MA can expect to earn approximately $48,951 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,241. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Northampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $941.37 | $4,079 | $48,951 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.82 | $2,448 | $29,371 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.55 | $1,632 | $19,581 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Northampton) | $23.53 |
| 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 Northampton, MA earn a median of $48,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.07% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $50,258.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.53/hr = $29,371/year (purchasing power: $27,070).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,951/year (purchasing power: $45,116).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Northampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Northampton grew 31.3% from $17.08/hr (2019) to $22.42/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.70/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 Northampton 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 Northampton
Part-time medical assistants who choose to work three days a week, totaling 24 hours, can anticipate a stable income which aligns with full-time counterparts, though annual earnings will differ significantly based on hours worked. Per-diem medical assistants in Northampton often charge between $20 and $30 per hour, with rates for specialty practices ranging from $25 to $38. Urgent care roles particularly highlight the potential for higher earnings; shifts may include stipends of $50 to $150, enhancing overall compensation. Variations in pay also reflect employer types, where primary care offices may offer lower hourly rates compared to specialty practices like cardiology or dermatology, which can provide 20-40% premiums. For medical assistants weighing the benefits of hourly pay against potential health insurance contributions, negotiations become critical, especially in a bustling healthcare market where securing positions in favored practices can hinge on the ability to advocate for better compensation and benefits.
More salary data for Northampton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Northampton in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Northampton?
Are medical assistants in Northampton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Northampton?
Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Northampton?
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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 Northampton. 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 Northampton 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