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Medical Assistant Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Virginia pays medical assistants a median wage of $42,310 per year — that's $20.34/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 15,990 medical assistants make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Medical Assistant salaries in Virginia are below the national average by approximately $723. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

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

Virginia Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$42,310
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$34,635

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia Medical Assistant Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $42,310.

Your annual salary ($)

Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — Virginia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$26,200/yr · $12.60/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Virginia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$37,655/yr · $18.10/hr
Established professional working independently in Virginia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$46,964/yr · $22.58/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Virginia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$60,900+/yr · $29.28/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Virginia.
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Medical Assistant Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Medical Assistant salaries in Virginia have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Virginia's healthcare and physician offices.

2021
$37,148
2022
$39,305
+5.8%
2023
$41,125
+4.6%
2024
$41,802
+1.6%
2026
$42,310
+1.2%

Medical Assistant Salary by City — Virginia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Virginia Beach$46,950$22.57+11.0%5,596
Norfolk$44,850$21.56+6.0%4,477
Chesapeake$43,600$20.96+3.0%2,878
Richmond$40,600$19.52-4.0%1,439
Arlington$38,500$18.51-9.0%959
Alexandria$36,800$17.69-13.0%639

Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest medical assistant salaries in Virginia at $46,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

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

Virginia — 5.75% state income tax$42,310 gross~$34,635 take-home
West Virginia — 6.5%$35,860 gross-15.2% vs VA
Maryland — 5.75%$45,060 gross+6.5% vs VA
North Carolina — 4.5%$42,600 gross+0.7% vs VA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.

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Medical Assistant Job Outlook in Virginia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
15,990Currently employed
1,599+New jobs projected

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

How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in Virginia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in Virginia typically adds $34,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays medical assistants $46,950/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia 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 Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays medical assistants $35,860/yr — -15.2% vs Virginia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a medical assistant earn in Virginia on average?
The average medical assistant salary in Virginia is $42,310 per year, or $20.34 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $26,200 while experienced professionals earn $60,900 or more.
What city in Virginia pays medical assistants the most?
Virginia Beach pays medical assistants the most in Virginia at an average of $46,950 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Virginia stack up nationally for medical assistant pay?
Virginia medical assistant salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $723. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
What is the take-home pay for a medical assistant in Virginia?
A medical assistant earning the Virginia average of $42,310 takes home approximately $34,635 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Should you become a medical assistant in Virginia?
Yes. Medical Assistant is a strong career choice in Virginia with steady demand projected over the next decade. Virginia's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average medical assistant pay.
How do you become a licensed medical assistant in Virginia?
In Virginia, 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.