Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $30.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Tacoma, WA runs $30.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,082 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, Washington, the projected median hourly pay for medical assistants in 2026 stands at $30.51, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.06. This competitive wage provides substantial opportunities, particularly for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find themselves in diverse settings such as primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, and hospital outpatient clinics. Entry-level medical assistants can expect hourly rates starting at around $23.40, while those at the top end of the pay spectrum can earn as much as $42.45 per hour. Such pay variations reflect the evolving need for skilled healthcare support, catering to rapid growth in the medical field, particularly in urgent care and specialty practices. Hourly compensation data here is derived from estimated annual figures, indicating a robust earning potential for MAs in the area.
About the Tacoma 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) | $23.40 | $187.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.23 | $201.88 |
| Median (P50) | $30.51 | $244.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.37 | $274.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.45 | $339.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $30.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.51/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $63,471 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,618. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,220.59 | $5,289 | $63,471 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $732.35 | $3,174 | $38,082 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.24 | $2,116 | $25,388 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Tacoma) | $30.51 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $63,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.36% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 8.60% above the Washington state average of $58,453.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.51/hr = $38,082/year (purchasing power: $35,459).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,471/year (purchasing power: $59,098).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Tacoma grew 31.3% from $22.14/hr (2019) to $29.07/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.03/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
When assessing part-time earning potential, a medical assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can earn about $38,059 over the course of a year. This figure is notably lower than that of full-time counterparts but highlights the value that a flexible work schedule can offer. For those considering per diem roles, compensation can range widely; general per-diem medical assistants can bill $20-$30 an hour, while those within specialty practices such as dermatology or plastics might see rates increase to between $25-$38 per hour. Hours with urgent care facilities may provide additional stipends for long shifts, enhancing overall compensation. Hourly rates also vary based on employer types; primary care offices typically pay less than urgent care chains or specialty clinics. Some medical assistants may find that accepting a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance is worth the trade-off, and negotiating hourly pay can often hinge on the specific role and the demands of employers in Tacoma. Understanding the local employment landscape can empower medical assistants to pursue rewarding opportunities in this growing sector.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Tacoma in 2026?
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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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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