Medical Assistant Salary in Phoenix, AZ: $49,157 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Phoenix, AZ earns a median $49,157/year (≈ $23.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Phoenix's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $47,579 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% above the Arizona state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Phoenix, AZ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $49,157, reflecting a competitive position relative to the national median of $47,961. This local salary range spans from $40,529 at the 10th percentile to $57,838 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potential based on factors such as experience, skills, and the specific type of practice. Data derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys reveal that the medical assistant workforce is growing rapidly, making this an attractive career for those pursuing pathways into nursing or specialized roles. As the healthcare demand rises in Phoenix, job opportunities for medical assistants are expected to remain strong, enhancing long-term career growth prospects.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,529 | $19.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,867 | $21.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,157 | $23.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,498 | $24.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,838 | $27.81 |
Median Salary Position
2.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Phoenix
In Phoenix, AZ, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,309 (2026 est.). At $49,157, the local median is 2.49% above the national median of $47,961.
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How Phoenix Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Phoenix median: $49,157/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Phoenix Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Average | $46,595 | +5.50% more |
| National Average | $47,961 | +2.49% more |
Medical Assistants in Phoenix, AZ earn a median of $49,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.49% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 5.50% above the Arizona state average of $46,595.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Phoenix has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Phoenix, AZ has a cost-of-living index of 103.316 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,157 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $47,579 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$34,530
2025 BLS Actual
$46,830
2026 Current Est.
$49,157
2019–2027 Growth
+49.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Phoenix (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,157 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,601 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Phoenix metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 35.6% from $34,530 (2019) to $46,830 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,601 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,071 (49.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Phoenix 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,529 – $43,867 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,867 – $49,157 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,157 – $51,498 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,498 – $57,838 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Phoenix
With approximately 15,410 medical assistants employed in the Phoenix area, the job market reflects a robust demand that drives competition among employers. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average at 103.316, which impacts the actual purchasing power of salaries in the region. Employers such as primary care physician offices and specialty practices like cardiology and dermatology tend to offer higher wages. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include certifications, bilingual skills, and specialization, where those in urgent care and specialty fields can command a premium. To maximize earnings, candidates should pursue additional certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, and consider roles in high-paying environments that reward versatility and added skills. Prospective medical assistants in Phoenix, AZ, should remain informed about these dynamics to effectively negotiate their salaries and advance their careers.
More salary data for Phoenix, AZ:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,830 for medical assistantsin the Phoenix metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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