Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $25.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Rochester, MN runs $25.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,307 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,388 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical assistants in Rochester, Minnesota, receive a median hourly pay of $25.15, which exceeds the national average of $23.06 per hour by a noteworthy margin. This rate allows for a viable earning potential for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week in various healthcare settings like primary care exam rooms and urgent care facilities. The hourly pay for medical assistants ranges from $23.21 for entry-level positions up to $30.61 for more experienced practitioners. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data reflects a competitive landscape for medical assistant hourly pay in Rochester, particularly when considering the local demand for healthcare professionals and the diverse roles available in outpatient clinics and specialty practices.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.21 | $185.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.81 | $190.46 |
| Median (P50) | $25.15 | $201.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.90 | $231.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.61 | $244.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $25.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.15/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $52,314 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,181. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,006.03 | $4,359 | $52,314 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $603.62 | $2,616 | $31,388 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.41 | $1,744 | $20,925 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Rochester) | $25.15 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $52,307 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.06% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 2.70% above the Minnesota state average of $50,931.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.15/hr = $31,388/year (purchasing power: $34,561).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,314/year (purchasing power: $57,601).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Rochester grew 13.0% from $21.20/hr (2019) to $23.96/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.40/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
For those considering a part-time position, working as a medical assistant in Rochester offers substantial financial flexibility. A three-day workweek totaling 24 hours could lead to an approximate annual income significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts, but still adequate for many lifestyles in a city with a cost of living index below the national average. Per diem medical assistant pay in Rochester typically ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialty practice positions yielding higher rates between $25 and $38. In urgent care settings, 12-hour shifts often come with additional stipends, enhancing earning potential. It’s crucial for medical assistants to weigh their options: some may choose positions offering lower hourly rates for health benefits. When negotiating pay, emphasizing experience and certifications from recognized entities like AAMA, AMT, NHA, and NCCT can strengthen their position in salary discussions.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Rochester 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 Rochester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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