Medical Assistant Salary in Portsmouth, NH: $49,378 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Portsmouth, NH earns a median $49,378/year (≈ $23.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $46,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, New Hampshire, medical assistants can expect a median annual salary of $49,378 in 2026, reflecting a 2.95% increase over the national median of $47,961. The salary range is notably broad, with entry-level positions starting at $41,228 and top earners making up to $58,629. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost considerations, highlighting the unique economic conditions in this coastal city. The diverse healthcare market in Portsmouth rewards bilingual skills, particularly in Spanish and Mandarin, contributing to a salary premium for those who can bridge language gaps for patient care.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,228 | $19.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,381 | $20.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,378 | $23.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50,847 | $24.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,629 | $28.18 |
Median Salary Position
2.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, NH, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,401 (2026 est.). At $49,378, the local median is 2.95% above the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $49,378/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $51,435 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | +2.95% more |
Medical Assistants in Portsmouth, NH earn a median of $49,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.95% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $51,435.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,378 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,019 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,760
2025 BLS Actual
$47,040
2026 Current Est.
$49,378
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,030 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,590 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,378 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,832 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 28.0% from $36,760 (2019) to $47,040 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,832 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,072 (41.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $41,228 – $42,381 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,381 – $49,378 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,378 – $50,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $50,847 – $58,629 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Portsmouth
The job market for medical assistants in Portsmouth is relatively small but poised for gradual growth, with approximately five professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 107.3, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, taking home pay may not stretch as far as it would in less expensive locales. Among local employers, specialty practices in dermatology, orthopedics, and plastic surgery tend to offer the highest compensation, often surpassing the pay provided by primary care or urgent care settings. To maximize earnings, medical assistants should consider pursuing additional certifications, such as those offered by AAMA or NHA, and focus on gaining experience in high-demand specialties. The increasing complexity of healthcare roles may further widen the pay gap between different practice areas, emphasizing the value of continuous education and specialized training.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
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 $47,040 for medical assistantsin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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