Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $23.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Providence, RI runs $23.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,357 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,620 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical assistants in Providence, Rhode Island, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $23.73, which is slightly above the national median of $23.06. This favorable hourly pay is particularly significant for part-time workers and per-diem medical assistants, who typically operate in primary care exam rooms, urgent care facilities, and specialty clinics. With entry-level hourly wages starting at $19.83 up to $28.46 for experienced professionals, this salary range suggests that both new entrants and seasoned assistants can find viable opportunities within the city's healthcare landscape. These figures, sourced from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflect the growing demand for qualified medical assistants in various medical settings throughout Providence.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.83 | $158.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.63 | $181.05 |
| Median (P50) | $23.73 | $189.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.54 | $196.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.46 | $227.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $23.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.73/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $49,366 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,480. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $949.35 | $4,114 | $49,366 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.61 | $2,468 | $29,620 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.74 | $1,646 | $19,746 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Providence) | $23.73 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $49,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.91% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 2.40% above the Rhode Island state average of $48,200.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.73/hr = $29,620/year (purchasing power: $29,104).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,366/year (purchasing power: $48,506).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Providence grew 28.0% from $17.67/hr (2019) to $22.61/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.91/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 Providence 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 Providence
Exploring the income potential for part-time medical assistants reveals intriguing insights for those working three days a week, totalling about 24 hours. Such individuals can make a substantial income depending on their specific workplace and responsibilities. Per diem positions allow for greater flexibility, with many billing rates ranging from $20 to $30 per hour; specialists in dermatology or plastics may earn even more, with rates peaking at $25-$38. Conversely, those working in urgent care with extended shifts can see additional stipends of $50 to $150 per shift. Employer types significantly affect hourly pay; primary care offices and urgent care clinics may offer lower rates compared to specialty practices. As some medical assistants trade off higher hourly wages for comprehensive health benefits, negotiating hourly rates effectively becomes crucial. Understanding the specifics of pay structures and workplace settings in Providence can guide emerging professionals on their journey toward career advancement, bridging their credentials into higher-paying roles.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Providence in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Providence?
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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 Providence. 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