Medical Assistant Salary in Waipahu, HI: $56,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Waipahu, HI earns a median $56,067/year (≈ $26.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $46,997 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, a medical assistant can expect a median annual salary of $56,067 in 2026, which reflects a notable 16.90% increase compared to the national median of $47,961. The salary for medical assistants in this area ranges from $44,447 at the 10th percentile to $73,159 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant potential for earnings variation based on skills and experience. These figures are derived from localized estimates based on state-level BLS data and regional cost adjustments, emphasizing the influence of Waipahu's diverse market dynamics. Language skills often command higher compensation, particularly in communities where bilingual proficiency—especially in Spanish or Mandarin—can be a key asset in healthcare settings, driving both demand and salary levels for those MAs adept in communication.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,447 | $21.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,650 | $22.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,067 | $26.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,929 | $27.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,159 | $35.18 |
Median Salary Position
16.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,712 (2026 est.). At $56,067, the local median is 16.9% above the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $56,067/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $57,211 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | +16.90% more |
Medical Assistants in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $56,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.90% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $57,211.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,067 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,997 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,681
2025 BLS Actual
$53,412
2026 Current Est.
$56,067
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,681 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,909 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,475 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,098 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,853 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $40,681 (2019) to $53,412 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,853 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,172 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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) | $44,447 – $46,650 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,650 – $56,067 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,067 – $57,929 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,929 – $73,159 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Waipahu
Despite only nine medical assistants currently employed in Waipahu, the job market remains promising, particularly for those who optimize their qualifications and market presence. With a cost of living index of 119.3, expenses can be higher than the national average, which may impact overall take-home pay. Employers that tend to offer the highest compensation include specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics, along with corporate occupational health clinics that value clinical skills and credentials. Variability in pay is often driven by specialization and bilingual capabilities, where medical assistants proficient in multiple languages can leverage their skills to secure higher wages. For those aiming to boost their earnings in this competitive environment, pursuing additional certifications, such as phlebotomy or EKG, or seeking roles in higher-paying specialties can provide a strategic advantage.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
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 $53,412 for medical assistantsin the Waipahu 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
Salary data for Waipahu 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