Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Burien, WA: $27.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Burien, WA runs $27.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,196 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Burien's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,912 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burien, Washington, medical assistants earn a median hourly pay of $27.97, significantly higher than the national median of $23.06. For part-time and per-diem workers, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings, especially within various healthcare environments such as primary care offices, specialty clinics, and urgent care facilities. Entry-level positions start around $22.73 per hour, while more experienced practitioners can command rates up to $37.37 per hour. This range makes medical assistant roles appealing both for those seeking part-time employment (such as three days a week) and for per diem opportunities, which are plentiful in area's healthcare facilities. The hourly figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, reflecting the growing demand for this role in Burien's healthcare landscape.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.73 | $181.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.83 | $190.63 |
| Median (P50) | $27.97 | $223.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.87 | $246.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.37 | $298.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burien
Based on $27.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.97/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burien, WA can expect to earn approximately $58,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,569. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Burien.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burien
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,118.98 | $4,849 | $58,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $671.39 | $2,909 | $34,912 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.59 | $1,940 | $23,275 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Burien) | $27.97 |
| 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 Burien, WA earn a median of $58,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.34% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $58,489.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.97/hr = $34,912/year (purchasing power: $32,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,187/year (purchasing power: $54,178).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Burien grew 31.3% from $20.30/hr (2019) to $26.65/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.36/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 Burien 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 Burien
Earning potential for a medical assistant working part-time, say three days a week for 24 hours, could yield just under $36,000 per year, offering a respectable income for those balancing education or other commitments. For per diem medical assistants, pay can differ widely; with rates typically ranging from $20 to $30 per hour. In specialized settings like dermatology or plastics, per diem rates can rise to between $25 and $38 per hour. Further, urgent care facilities often offer 12-hour shifts that can come with stipends of $50 to $150, on top of regular pay. The variety of employer types—including primary care physician offices, urgent care chains, and corporate occupational health clinics—can also influence hourly wages, as some roles may offer lower pay but come with benefits such as healthcare coverage. Negotiating hourly pay in Burien should consider both the financial and benefits landscape, allowing medical assistants to effectively weigh their options and pursue opportunities that align with their career goals while achieving desirable financial outcomes.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Burien in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Burien?
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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 Burien. 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 Burien 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