Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $19.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in McLean, VA runs $19.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,320 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,799 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, Virginia, the projected median hourly pay for medical assistants in 2026 is $19.87, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.06. This discrepancy can impact those seeking part-time or per-diem positions, as the hourly rate plays a critical role in meeting financial needs. For example, a medical assistant working three days a week typically earns about $1,267 a month, which can be a practical choice for those balancing other responsibilities. Entry-level positions can start around $15.69 per hour, while more experienced or specialized medical assistants can reach up to $24.59 per hour in settings like primary care exam rooms, urgent care clinics, or specialty practice facilities. Such dynamics highlight the potential for a substantial income difference based on experience and work setting in McLean.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.69 | $125.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.50 | $132.01 |
| Median (P50) | $19.87 | $158.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.94 | $167.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.59 | $196.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $19.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.87/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $41,331 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,845. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $794.83 | $3,444 | $41,331 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $476.90 | $2,067 | $24,799 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $317.93 | $1,378 | $16,533 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (McLean) | $19.87 |
| 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 McLean, VA earn a median of $41,320 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.85% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $42,207.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.87/hr = $24,799/year (purchasing power: $24,030).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,331/year (purchasing power: $40,050).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$14.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in McLean grew 31.3% from $14.42/hr (2019) to $18.93/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.86/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 McLean 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 McLean
Part-time medical assistants making the commitment to work 24 hours a week can effectively take home around $15,204 annually, offering some flexibility compared to full-time roles. Per diem medical assistant pay in McLean often sees professionals billing anywhere from $20 to $30 per hour, particularly in urgent care environments where 12-hour shifts might yield additional stipends ranging from $50 to $150. Specialized practice, such as dermatology or plastic surgery, can command even higher per-diem rates, reaching anywhere from $25 to $38 per hour. The type of employer can significantly affect hourly earnings in McLean, with primary care offices and corporate health clinics generally offering competitive rates. Those pondering their career path often have to balance hourly pay against the benefits packages provided by employers; positions offering health insurance may seem less attractive on an hourly basis but provide substantial long-term value. Negotiation remains crucial, with local insights suggesting that expressing adaptability and highlighting specific skills can open doors for higher hourly compensation, especially in a market with ongoing growth projected at 4.97%.
More salary data for McLean, 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 McLean. 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 McLean 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