Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Allentown, PA: $22.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Allentown, PA runs $22.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,656 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Allentown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.0, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,598 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Allentown, Pennsylvania, the medical assistant hourly pay reflects a competitive landscape with a median rate of $22.91. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $23.06, indicating a stable yet slightly lower rate compared to the broader market. Those working part-time, such as in primary care exam rooms or urgent care facilities, can expect to earn a comfortable income, making this role accessible for individuals seeking flexible work schedules. The hourly range for medical assistants spans from $18.39 at the 10th percentile to $24.27 at the 90th percentile, accommodating entry-level positions as well as those who have advanced experience and skills. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, showcasing the steady demand for medical assistants in the local healthcare system.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.39 | $147.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.66 | $157.29 |
| Median (P50) | $22.91 | $183.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.58 | $188.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.27 | $194.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Allentown
Based on $22.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.91/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Allentown, PA can expect to earn approximately $47,663 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,498. With a cost-of-living index of 99.97 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Allentown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Allentown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $916.60 | $3,972 | $47,663 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $549.96 | $2,383 | $28,598 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.64 | $1,589 | $19,065 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Allentown) | $22.91 |
| 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 Allentown, PA earn a median of $47,656 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 5.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $45,344.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.91/hr = $28,598/year (purchasing power: $28,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,663/year (purchasing power: $47,678).
CoL index: 99.968 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Allentown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Allentown grew 30.8% from $16.69/hr (2019) to $21.83/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.05/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 Allentown 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 Allentown
For medical assistants considering part-time work, earning potential remains robust, with a 24-hour weekly schedule allowing for a respectable annual income compared to those in full-time positions. Per diem medical assistant pay in Allentown can vary widely, with typical rates between $20 and $30/hour for general practitioners and extending to between $25 and $38/hour in specialty practices like dermatology and plastics. In urgent care settings, per diem incentives can raise pay significantly, adding $50 to $150 per shift on top of base rates for longer shifts. The type of employer significantly impacts hourly rates, with primary care offices generally offering lower wages compared to specialty practices and hospital outpatient clinics, where additional experience can yield a premium. Many medical assistants face a decision between accepting higher hourly pay without benefits or lower pay with robust health coverage. For those entering negotiations in Allentown, emphasizing specialized certifications from recognized bodies such as AAMA, AMT, NHA, and NCCT can be beneficial and leverage their worth in a growing healthcare market.
More salary data for Allentown, PA:
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 Allentown. 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