Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Cincinnati, OH: $22.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Cincinnati, OH runs $22.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,544 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Cincinnati's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.4, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,930 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cincinnati, the projected medical assistant hourly pay stands at $22.38, slightly below the national median of $23.06. This figure reflects the earnings potential for various work arrangements, including part-time and per-diem roles, prevalent in settings such as primary care exam rooms and hospital outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, or about 24 hours, the flexibility of part-time hours can be appealing, allowing individuals to balance personal and professional responsibilities. Entry-level medical assistants can expect to earn about $18.18 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized fields can make up to $25.14, highlighting a wide range in hourly compensation reflective of both skill level and setting.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.18 | $145.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.25 | $154.01 |
| Median (P50) | $22.38 | $179.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.71 | $189.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.14 | $201.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cincinnati
Based on $22.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.38/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cincinnati, OH can expect to earn approximately $46,550 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,856. With a cost-of-living index of 95.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cincinnati.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cincinnati
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $895.18 | $3,879 | $46,550 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.11 | $2,327 | $27,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.07 | $1,552 | $18,620 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Cincinnati) | $22.38 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH earn a median of $46,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.95% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 2.70% above the Ohio state average of $45,320.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.38/hr = $27,930/year (purchasing power: $29,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,550/year (purchasing power: $48,809).
CoL index: 95.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Cincinnati (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Cincinnati grew 27.2% from $16.76/hr (2019) to $21.32/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.49/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 Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
Part-time medical assistants in Cincinnati, working a three-day week, would take home around $27,782 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who enjoy a considerably higher income due to the consistency of hours. For those considering per diem options, it’s common for medical assistants to earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with specialty practices often offering rates ranging from $25 to $38 per hour. Urgent care facilities may provide stipends for longer shifts, adding an additional $50 to $150 on top of basic hourly pay. The hourly pay varies significantly among employer types; primary care offices generally offer lower rates compared to specialty practices like cardiology or orthopedics. Medical assistants in Cincinnati must weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates accompanied by health insurance against higher pays without benefits. Negotiation is key in this environment, where showcasing credentials from recognized certifying bodies such as the AAMA or AMT can emphasize skill level and justify higher pay requests.
More salary data for Cincinnati, OH:
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 Cincinnati. 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