Medical Assistant salary in Altoona, PA
Medical Assistants in the Altoona, PA metro area earn a median of $39,140 a year ($18.82 an hour), based on BLS data for 270 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,350 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $45,690. Pay here is 11% lower than the Pennsylvania statewide median of $43,920. There are 4.6 medical assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $40,140, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for medical assistants in Altoona, PA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| 25th percentile | $37,400 | $17.98 |
| Median | $39,140 | $18.82 |
| 75th percentile | $42,950 | $20.65 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $45,350 | $21.81 |
| Average (mean) | $40,140 | $19.30 |
Half of medical assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,261.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,630.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,505.38 |
| Weekly | $752.69 |
| Hourly | $18.82 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $39,140 salary, see how much house you can afford in Pennsylvania at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Medical Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $45,890 | 13,150 |
| Reading, PA | $45,610 | 730 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $45,400 | 1,640 |
| Chambersburg, PA | $43,830 | 240 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $43,820 | 1,370 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $43,620 | 710 |
| Lebanon, PA | $43,490 | 180 |
| Gettysburg, PA | $43,480 | 140 |
| Lancaster, PA | $42,910 | 770 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $42,840 | 4,810 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | $42,760 | 840 |
| State College, PA | $42,720 | 180 |
| Williamsport, PA | $40,530 | 180 |
| Erie, PA | $39,640 | 460 |
| Johnstown, PA | $38,400 | 140 |
Highest-paying states for medical assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $59,290 |
| Alaska | $52,560 |
| District of Columbia | $51,050 |
| Minnesota | $50,480 |
| Oregon | $50,410 |
| California | $49,660 |
| Massachusetts | $49,460 |
| Wisconsin | $48,680 |
| Hawaii | $48,410 |
| Colorado | $48,400 |
See Medical Assistant pay in every state or the Pennsylvania statewide figures.
Related jobs in Altoona, PA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $45,310 | $21.78 |
| Phlebotomist | $35,660 | $17.15 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $41,210 | $19.81 |
| Massage Therapist | $50,480 | $24.27 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $27,390 | $13.17 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,870 | $18.69 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,670 | $29.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $60,310 | $29.00 |
| Orderly | $30,370 | $14.60 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Altoona, PA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9092. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical assistant make in Altoona, PA?
The median salary for medical assistants in the Altoona, PA metro area is $39,140 a year, or $18.82 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,090 for the lowest-paid 10% to $45,350 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid medical assistants make in Altoona, PA?
The top 10% of medical assistants in the Altoona, PA metro area earn at least $45,350 a year. The top 25% earn $42,950 or more.
What is the starting pay for medical assistants in Altoona, PA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,090 a year, and a quarter of medical assistants earn $37,400 or less.
How many medical assistants work in Altoona, PA?
About 270 medical assistants are employed in the Altoona, PA metro area, not counting the self-employed.