Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in New Bern, NC: $21.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in New Bern, NC runs $21.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against New Bern's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,882 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bern, NC, the medical assistant hourly pay stands at $21.54, which is slightly below the national average of $23.06 per hour. This wage structure offers considerable opportunities for part-time schedules, allowing a medical assistant working three days a week to still maintain a viable income, especially in settings such as primary care offices, urgent care facilities, and corporate clinics. The hourly pay range spans from $17.11 for entry-level positions to a robust $26.82 for more seasoned professionals. While these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, they illuminate the pay dynamics for both full-time and part-time roles across various healthcare environments in the region.
About the New Bern Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.11 | $136.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.95 | $143.60 |
| Median (P50) | $21.54 | $172.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.75 | $181.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.82 | $214.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bern
Based on $21.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.54/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bern, NC can expect to earn approximately $44,803 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,848. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Bern.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bern
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $861.59 | $3,734 | $44,803 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $516.96 | $2,240 | $26,882 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $344.64 | $1,493 | $17,921 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (New Bern) | $21.54 |
| 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 New Bern, NC earn a median of $44,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.57% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $45,679.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.54/hr = $26,882/year (purchasing power: $28,720).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,803/year (purchasing power: $47,866).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in New Bern (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in New Bern grew 46.3% from $14.03/hr (2019) to $20.52/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.61/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 New Bern 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 New Bern
When considering the specifics of part-time work, a medical assistant in New Bern, who puts in 24 hours a week, can anticipate an annual take-home of approximately $26,746, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem medical assistant pay in New Bern varies widely; those working on an as-needed basis typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics offering a higher premium ranging from $25 to $38 per hour. Furthermore, urgent care roles that involve 12-hour shifts may see stipends of $50 to $150 added to the base pay, creating financial allure. Hourly rates can differ noticeably across employer types, with primary care settings generally offering lower pay compared to specialty practices and urgent cares, where demand for services is often higher. This variability means some medical assistants prioritize benefits such as health insurance over higher pay rates without benefits, marking a critical decision point in their career. Negotiating hourly pay effectively in New Bern may involve understanding the local market trends, precisely what area employers are offering, and emphasizing qualifications from recognized certifying bodies like the AAMA, AMT, NHA, and NCCT.
More salary data for New Bern, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in New Bern 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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