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Medical Assistant Salaries in Pennsylvania — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median medical assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $42,810 per year, equivalent to $20.58/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Pennsylvania employs approximately 23,650 medical assistants statewide.

Medical Assistant salaries in Pennsylvania are below the national average by approximately $223. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Pennsylvania's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average medical assistant pay.

Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Pennsylvania after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$42,810
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$36,155

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Pennsylvania Medical Assistant Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Pennsylvania median of $42,810.

Your annual salary ($)

Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — Pennsylvania

Entry Level (0–2 years)$26,500/yr · $12.74/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Pennsylvania.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$38,100/yr · $18.32/hr
Established professional working independently in Pennsylvania. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$47,519/yr · $22.85/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Pennsylvania.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$61,600+/yr · $29.62/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Pennsylvania.
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Medical Assistant Salary Trend in Pennsylvania — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for medical assistants in Pennsylvania: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Pennsylvania's healthcare and physician offices.

2021
$37,587
2022
$39,770
+5.8%
2023
$41,611
+4.6%
2024
$42,296
+1.6%
2026
$42,810
+1.2%

Medical Assistant Salary by City — Pennsylvania

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Philadelphia$47,500$22.84+11.0%8,277
Pittsburgh$45,400$21.83+6.0%6,622
Allentown$44,100$21.20+3.0%4,257
Erie$41,100$19.76-4.0%2,128
Reading$38,950$18.73-9.0%1,419
Scranton$37,250$17.91-13.0%946

Tip: Philadelphia offers the highest medical assistant salaries in Pennsylvania at $47,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Pennsylvania vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Pennsylvania sits in the mid-range for medical assistants.

Pennsylvania — 3.07% state income tax$42,810 gross~$36,155 take-home
New York — 10.9%$46,040 gross+7.5% vs PA
New Jersey — 10.75%$46,280 gross+8.1% vs PA
Delaware — 6.6%$41,830 gross-2.3% vs PA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

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Medical Assistant Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
23,650Currently employed
2,365+New jobs projected

Employment for medical assistants in Pennsylvania is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Pennsylvania job market. Pennsylvania's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average medical assistant pay.

How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in Pennsylvania

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in Pennsylvania typically adds $35,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Philadelphia pays medical assistants $47,500/yr — +11.0% above the Pennsylvania average. Simply relocating within Pennsylvania can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Medical Assistants who specialise in healthcare and physician offices typically command premium rates in Pennsylvania. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays medical assistants $46,040/yr — 7.5% vs Pennsylvania.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do medical assistants earn in Pennsylvania?
The average medical assistant salary in Pennsylvania is $42,810 per year, or $20.58 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $26,500 while experienced professionals earn $61,600 or more.
Where do medical assistants earn the most in Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia pays medical assistants the most in Pennsylvania at an average of $47,500 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Pennsylvania medical assistant salary compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania medical assistant salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $223. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
What is the take-home pay for a medical assistant in Pennsylvania?
A medical assistant earning the Pennsylvania average of $42,810 takes home approximately $36,155 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.
Should you become a medical assistant in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Medical Assistant is a strong career choice in Pennsylvania with steady demand projected over the next decade. Pennsylvania's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average medical assistant pay.
What's the licensing process for medical assistants in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, medical assistants are licensed through the State Medical Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Medical Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.