Skip to main content

Medical Assistant Salary in Lancaster, PA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Lancaster's cost of living (index: 94). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Lancaster β€” Key Numbers

$39,480
Median Salary
$33,802
25th Percentile
$46,596
75th Percentile
$54,370
90th Percentile
National median (Medical Assistant)$42,000
vs. National median-6.0%
Lancaster median household income$64,400
vs. City household income-38.7%

Cost of Living in Lancaster

Cost of Living Index
94(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,150/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio35.0%
Annual rent cost$13,800
Median Home Price$270,000
Home Price / Salary6.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$54,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Lancaster

3.4%
Unemployment Rate
560,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
37.2
Median Age

Lancaster has a metro population of 560,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.4% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Lancaster, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Medical Assistant in Lancaster is $39,480 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,000 adjusted by Lancaster's cost of living index (94). The typical salary range runs from $33,802 (25th percentile) to $46,596 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $54,370.

Is Lancaster affordable for a Medical Assistant?

On a $39,480 annual salary, a Medical Assistant in Lancaster would spend approximately 35.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,150/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $270,000 is 6.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Medical Assistant's salary compare to Lancaster's overall income?

Lancaster's median household income is $64,400. A Medical Assistant earning the city-adjusted median of $39,480 earns 38.7% less than the typical Lancaster household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Lancaster has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.