Medical Assistant salary in Philadelphia, PA
Median pay, Philadelphia metro
$45,890/year
about $22.06 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $41,630 – $47,740
Half of medical assistants in the Philadelphia metro area earn more than $45,890 a year and half earn less. That's about the same as the national median of $45,690, and ranks #18 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,300 | $18.41 |
| 25th | $41,630 | $20.01 |
| Median (50th) | $45,890 | $22.06 |
| 75th | $47,740 | $22.95 |
| 90th (top earners) | $53,400 | $25.67 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a medical assistant job in the Philadelphia metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $41,630 ($20.01/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $41,630 to $47,740 ($20.01 to $22.95/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $47,740 ($22.95/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Certification (such as CMA or RMA) can raise pay and open more roles, and some employers pay for it.
- Check whether the role is front office, back office or both, since mixed roles are often paid like single ones.
- Ask about guaranteed hours: some clinics cut hours on slow days.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Philadelphia metro. Occupation: Medical Assistants (SOC 31-9092). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.