Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Charlottesville, VA: $21.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Charlottesville, VA runs $21.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,234 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Charlottesville's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.1, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,541 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Charlottesville, Virginia, the medical assistant hourly pay averages $21.27, which falls below the national hourly median of $23.06. This means that for part-time medical assistants working three days a week, the overall earnings will be proportionate to their schedule, making the profession viable for individuals seeking flexibility. In typical settings such as primary care exam rooms or urgent care intake stations, medical assistants can expect an hourly pay range from $18.83 for entry-level positions to $24.71 for those in higher-paying roles. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026 not only outlines the potential for earning but also highlights the opportunities available within the local healthcare ecosystem.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.83 | $150.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.79 | $158.29 |
| Median (P50) | $21.27 | $170.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.21 | $185.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.71 | $197.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlottesville
Based on $21.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.27/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlottesville, VA can expect to earn approximately $44,235 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,520. With a cost-of-living index of 99.15 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlottesville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlottesville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $850.68 | $3,686 | $44,235 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $510.41 | $2,212 | $26,541 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.27 | $1,475 | $17,694 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Charlottesville) | $21.27 |
| 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 Charlottesville, VA earn a median of $44,234 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.77% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 4.80% above the Virginia state average of $42,208.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.27/hr = $26,541/year (purchasing power: $26,770).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,235/year (purchasing power: $44,616).
CoL index: 99.146 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Charlottesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Charlottesville grew 29.3% from $15.67/hr (2019) to $20.26/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.32/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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville
When evaluating the financial outlook for medical assistants in Charlottesville, those working part-time (approximately 24 hours a week) can anticipate an annual income that reflects about $27,000, significantly lower than full-time counterparts. Additionally, per diem medical assistant pay in Charlottesville typically ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialists in dermatology or plastic surgery potentially earning $25-$38 hourly. Urgent care settings may offer stipends for extended shifts, enhancing the base pay. The hourly rates can also differ across various employer types, with primary care offices potentially offering lower wages compared to specialty practices. While some may choose to accept lower hourly rates for job security and benefits, others may prefer higher pay without additional perks. For negotiating wages, understanding the specific demands and compensation structures in Charlottesville’s healthcare facilities can provide medical assistants with an edge in securing fair pay.
More salary data for Charlottesville, VA:
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 Charlottesville. 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