How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make in Virginia in 2026?

A typical Medical Assistant in Virginia earns about $21.51 per hour ($44,740 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That breaks down to roughly $3,728 a month and $860 a week, both calculated from the annual figure. Pay varies by city, employer, and experience, but this figure represents the typical wage across the state.

Virginia's typical pay sits about 2% below the national figure of $45,690 a year (and $21.97 an hour) for Medical Assistants, according to the same May 2025 data. That places the state 29th among 51 states and jurisdictions ranked by pay. Virginia employs about 16,650 Medical Assistants, giving the comparison a solid base. Lower pay compared with some states often tracks a lower cost of living.

Entry-level positions in Virginia typically offer around $17.83 per hour, or about $37,090 a year, for Medical Assistants just starting out. Pay tends to move toward the typical wage of $21.51 an hour within a few years of experience. New hires in clinics or smaller practices may start closer to this lower figure. As skills and tenure build, wages climb toward the middle of the range.

Experienced Medical Assistants in Virginia often earn upwards of $22.39 an hour, or around $46,570 a year. The top 10% of earners make over $25.00 an hour, or about $52,000 annually. That leaves a spread of $14,910 between entry-level and top-10% pay. Setting, years of experience, and city all play a part in where someone lands within that range.

Virginia's typical pay for Medical Assistants rose from $30,400 in 2015 to $44,740 in 2025, a gain of $14,340. That amounts to a 47% increase over the decade. The rise has been steady rather than sudden, with pay climbing most years along the way. By 2025, typical pay had grown by nearly half compared with a decade earlier.

Nationally, typical Medical Assistant pay rose 49% over the same ten years, just ahead of Virginia's 47% gain. The two states track closely, meaning Virginia's growth has kept pace with the broader trend rather than falling behind. For someone starting now, pay has moved up steadily in recent years, though nothing about future gains is guaranteed.

Arlington pays the most for Medical Assistants in Virginia, with typical pay of $46,640 a year ($22.42 an hour), about 4% above the state figure. These figures reflect pay across each city's full metro area. Richmond follows at $44,490 a year, and Virginia Beach at $43,620, both close to the statewide typical wage.

Roanoke pays the least among Virginia's ranked cities, with typical pay of $37,780 a year ($18.16 an hour), creating a $8,860 spread between the highest and lowest local figures. Arlington also holds the largest Medical Assistant workforce in the state, at 13,890 workers. Higher pay in cities like Arlington and Richmond generally lines up with a higher cost of living in those areas.

Virginia's neighbors show a range in pay for Medical Assistants. The District of Columbia pays about 14% more, at $51,050 a year, and Maryland runs 4% higher at $46,410; North Carolina sits close by at $45,140, about 1% above Virginia. Tennessee and Kentucky both pay roughly 12% less, near $39,570 and $39,270, and West Virginia pays the least, 17% below Virginia at $37,180. Licensing or registration can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby state, though rules vary.

Medical Assistants in Virginia typically earn $44,740 a year, or $21.51 an hour, with pay that has climbed 47% over the past decade. Those considering the field can check Virginia's licensing or registry requirements for specifics on certification, and review city-level pages for local pay figures in places like Arlington, Richmond, or Roanoke. Pay varies by location and experience, so local figures offer the clearest picture for planning.