Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Scranton, PA: $51,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Scranton, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,288/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Scranton's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $54,821 in average-cost America. The 14% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, the potential for experienced medical assistants to earn a top-tier salary is significant. By 2026, those at the 90th percentile can expect to make approximately $51,288 annually, while the 75th percentile sits at around $47,006. This opportunity for growth represents a noticeable gap from the median annual salary of $44,885, illustrating the financial incentives available to seasoned professionals in the field. To reach these higher salary brackets, medical assistants typically need over seven years of experience, possibly complemented by advanced certifications such as CMA or RMA. Cultivating specialized skills, such as phlebotomy or EKG training, can further enhance earning potential, making the pursuit of career advancements a lucrative endeavor for experienced medical assistants in Scranton.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Scranton earn between $47,006 and $51,288 per year (2026 est.). This $15,262 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Scranton median of $44,885 sits 6.41% below the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Scranton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $44,885 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,006 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $51,288 | $62,258 |
In Scranton, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 14.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Scranton
Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania
PA medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $44,885 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Scranton employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Scranton command premium compensation, often reaching the $47,006–$51,288 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Scranton metro area, which is a large MA, CMA employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Scranton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Scranton
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedScranton ranks #15 of 25 Pennsylvania cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $51,288).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Scranton ($51,288) is 3.76% below the Pennsylvania average P90 ($53,294).
2019 BLS Actual
$39,720
2025 BLS Actual
$48,860
2026 Current Est.
$51,288
2019–2027 Growth
+35.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,050 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,837 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Scranton saw their compensation grow 23.0% from $39,720 in 2019 to $48,860 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.97% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $53,837 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Earnings in Scranton
When analyzing senior medical assistant pay in PA, specialized roles can significantly influence compensation. For instance, positions that support dermatology, OB-GYN, and pediatric practices often command higher wages, reflecting the demand for related skills in those settings. Compensation varies considerably depending on employer type; for example, primary care offices generally offer lower pay than specialty practices or hospital outpatient clinics. Senior-level roles like clinical operations supervisors or MA trainers present viable advancement paths, aligning with the growing medical assistant workforce. Essential credentials from established certifying bodies like AAMA or AMT can boost salaries. Additionally, bilingual capabilities or cross-training enhance value, as employers are willing to pay premiums for employees who meet diverse patient needs within their practices.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Scranton in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Scranton?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Scranton?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Scranton?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Scranton?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $48,860 for medical assistants in the Scranton metro area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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