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

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Pittsburgh's cost of living (index: 91). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Pittsburgh β€” Key Numbers

$38,220
Median Salary
$32,724
25th Percentile
$45,109
75th Percentile
$52,634
90th Percentile
National median (Medical Assistant)$42,000
vs. National median-9.0%
Pittsburgh median household income$60,800
vs. City household income-37.1%

Cost of Living in Pittsburgh

Cost of Living Index
91(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,295/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio40.7%
Annual rent cost$15,540
Median Home Price$200,000
Home Price / Salary5.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$40,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.2 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 Pittsburgh

3.7%
Unemployment Rate
2,410,000
Metro Population
26 min
Avg Commute
38.8
Median Age

Pittsburgh has a metro population of 2,410,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% 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 Pittsburgh, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Medical Assistant in Pittsburgh is $38,220 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,000 adjusted by Pittsburgh's cost of living index (91). The typical salary range runs from $32,724 (25th percentile) to $45,109 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $52,634.

Is Pittsburgh affordable for a Medical Assistant?

On a $38,220 annual salary, a Medical Assistant in Pittsburgh would spend approximately 40.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,295/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Medical Assistants in Pittsburgh may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $200,000 is 5.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Pittsburgh's median household income is $60,800. A Medical Assistant earning the city-adjusted median of $38,220 earns 37.1% less than the typical Pittsburgh household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Pittsburgh 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.