Medical Assistant Salary in University Place, WA: $57,338 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in University Place, WA earns a median $57,338/year (≈ $27.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $53,387 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in University Place, Washington, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $57,338, notably exceeding the national median of $47,961 by approximately 19.55%. The full salary range for this occupation in the area extends from $45,531 at the 10th percentile to $74,764 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying levels of compensation based on experience, specialization, and workplace setting. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and BEA Regional Price Parities highlight the competitive pay for medical assistants in this suburb, particularly when compared to primary care roles, where salaries tend to be on the lower end. Specialty practices like dermatology, plastics, and orthopedics often offer significantly better compensation, underlining how the type of medical practice influences earning potential for professionals in the region.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,531 | $21.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,763 | $22.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,338 | $27.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,384 | $28.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,764 | $35.94 |
Median Salary Position
19.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,233 (2026 est.). At $57,338, the local median is 19.55% above the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Medical Assistant Pay Compares
University Place median: $57,338/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $58,448 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | +19.55% more |
Medical Assistants in University Place, WA earn a median of $57,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.55% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $58,448.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,338 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,387 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,604
2025 BLS Actual
$54,623
2026 Current Est.
$57,338
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,859 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,461 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,752 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,768 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,338 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,187 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $41,604 (2019) to $54,623 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,187 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,583 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $45,531 – $47,763 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,763 – $57,338 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,338 – $59,384 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,384 – $74,764 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in University Place
The local job market for medical assistants in University Place consists of just six employed individuals, which might appear limited but reflects a growth trajectory within a field that is expanding rapidly due to healthcare demand. With a cost-of-living index at 107.4, residents face a higher-than-average cost for essentials, slightly affecting their take-home pay's purchasing power. Employers such as urgent care chains and specialty practices tend to provide the most competitive salaries in the area, particularly for those with bilingual skills or advanced certifications like phlebotomy and EKG. The disparity in pay often correlates with the level of specialization and the ability to handle diverse responsibilities. For job seekers and current medical assistants aiming to maximize their pay in University Place, pursuing certification through recognized bodies like AAMA or NHA and focusing on specialty practices are effective strategies. Further, exploring opportunities in urgent care clinics may yield additional financial benefits-driven by shift differentials.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
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 $54,623 for medical assistantsin the University Place 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 University Place 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