Medical Assistant in Norfolk, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Norfolk Stands

As a local career analyst who has watched the Hampton Roads job market for over a decade, I can tell you that Norfolk’s medical assistant salaries are a classic case of "it depends." The region’s economy is heavily tied to military healthcare and large hospital systems, which creates both stability and a specific salary ceiling.

Here’s the hard data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market surveys, the median salary for a Medical Assistant in Norfolk is $37,971 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.26. This is slightly below the national average of $38,270 per year, a common trend in many mid-sized coastal cities where cost of living and job competition balance out.

The job market itself is active but specialized. You’re looking at 461 jobs in the metro area, which for a population of 230,930 is a solid, stable level of opportunity. The 10-year job growth is projected at 15%, which aligns with national trends, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient care. The real key here is understanding where you fall on the experience spectrum, as your starting point in Norfolk can vary significantly.

Experience-Level Breakdown

The salary progression in Norfolk isn’t always linear. It often depends more on the specific employer (e.g., Sentara vs. a private specialist practice) and your certifications than just years on the job.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Norfolk)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Often starts closer to $16-$17/hr. Candidates with a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential may start at the higher end. Large hospital systems have structured pay scales.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	This is where the median falls. Specialization in phlebotomy, EKGs, or specific departments (like cardiology or orthopedics) can push you toward the upper limit.
Senior-Level (6-10 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Often involves lead MA roles, training new hires, or managing clinic flow. Pay increases are more likely through certifications (e.g., Nationally Certified Medical Assistant - NCMA) and taking on administrative tasks.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$48,000+	Rare for pure clinical MA roles. This salary is typically achieved by moving into education (training programs), management (clinic supervisor), or highly specialized roles in academic medicine (e.g., at Eastern Virginia Medical School - EVMS).

Comparison to Other Virginia Cities

Norfolk is a mid-point in Virginia’s salary landscape. It offers more opportunity than smaller towns but falls short of the high cost of living in Northern Virginia.

City (VA)	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Notes
Norfolk	$37,971	97.4	Military/govt. jobs dominate. Stability over high growth.
Richmond	~$39,500	95.6	More corporate healthcare jobs, slightly higher pay.
Northern VA (Arlington)	~$48,000+	150+	High pay but extreme cost of living. Commute from Norfolk is not feasible.
Roanoke	~$36,000	86.5	Lower pay, but significantly cheaper to live.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the salary. In Norfolk, many employers offer excellent benefits, especially Sentara and Bon Secours, which include tuition reimbursement. If you plan to advance your education (e.g., LPN, RN), this benefit can be worth more than a $2-$3/hour higher starting wage at a private practice.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about your budget. Norfolk’s cost of living is 3.6% below the national average (97.4), but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap, especially with rent. The average 1-bedroom rent is $1,287/month.

Using the median salary of $37,971 ($3,164/month gross), here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown. (Note: Tax estimates are based on single filer with standard deduction, state and local taxes included.)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Reality Check
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,164
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	~$700	This is an estimate. Use a paycheck calculator for precision.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$2,464
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,287	This is the citywide average. It can be lower in Ghent or higher in Ghent.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water)	$180	Norfolk’s humidity in summer drives AC costs up.
Car Insurance	$220	Coastal VA has some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation due to weather and traffic.
Car Payment/Fuel	$300	Public transportation (The Tide light rail) is limited. A car is a near-necessity.
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance (if employer pays partial)	$150
Remaining Discretionary	~$ -23	The math is tight.

Can they afford to buy a home? At this income level, no—not right now. With $2,464 in net income and $1,287 going to rent, your debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage would be too high. Lenders want housing costs (including PITI) under 28% of your gross. On $3,164/month, that’s only $886. In Norfolk’s current market, a modest starter home (condo or small house in a neighborhood like Lake Taylor or parts of Campostella) would require a significant down payment to get the mortgage payment that low. The path to homeownership here for a single MA is through career advancement (raising your salary to $50k+) or dual-income households.

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Where the Jobs Are: Norfolk's Major Employers

Norfolk’s healthcare scene is dominated by two major health systems and a massive military presence. Here’s where you’ll find the bulk of the 461 open positions.

1. Sentara Healthcare: The largest employer in the region. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is a Level I trauma center and a major teaching hospital. Sentara has an extensive network of outpatient clinics and primary care practices across Hampton Roads. Hiring Trend: They invest heavily in training. They often post for "Medical Assistant I, II, III" with clear pay bands. Look for jobs at the Sentara Princess Anne Hospital campus and the Sentara Leigh Hospital outpatient center.

2. Bon Secours (now merged with Mercy Health): The other giant. Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk is their anchor. They also operate a large number of community health centers, particularly in underserved areas. Hiring Trend: They have a strong focus on community-based care. Look for roles in their Greenbrier Family Medicine or Portsmouth clinics (just across the water), which are part of the same metro area.

3. Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP): This is a major federal employer. While you must be a U.S. citizen and often need a security clearance, the pay and benefits (federal GS scale) are excellent. It’s a massive complex serving active-duty, retirees, and their families. Hiring Trend: Positions are posted on USAJOBS.gov. They hire through contractors (like SAIC or Booz Allen) as well as direct federal hires. This is a stable, long-term career path.

4. Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS): A unique academic medical center. EVMS physicians run clinics and see patients. This is where you find more specialized, niche roles (e.g., in reproductive endocrinology, dermatology, or academic research clinics). Hiring Trend: More competitive. They often seek MAs with some college or who are enrolled in further education. The environment is more academic.

5. Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD): While technically in Norfolk, it’s a regional specialty hospital. They have an extensive outpatient network. If you have any interest in pediatrics, this is the premier employer. Hiring Trend: They look for candidates with pediatric experience or a genuine passion for child care. Pay is competitive with the major systems.

6. Private & Specialty Practices: Don’t underestimate small to mid-sized practices. Orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, and dermatology groups in areas like Ghent, Ghent Village, and near Sentara Leigh often hire MAs directly. These can offer a different pace and culture than large hospitals.

Insider Tip: The "Norfolk" job market extends into Virginia Beach (15 mins) and Chesapeake (15 mins). Always broaden your search to the entire Hampton Roads region on sites like Indeed and LinkedIn. The commute on I-264 or I-64 is manageable, and you’ll double your opportunities.

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Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia is a "medical assistant" state. This means it does not have state-level mandatory certification or licensure to work as an MA. However, the reality of the job market makes certification essential.

The Requirements & Pathway:

1. Education: You need a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program (9-12 months). Norfolk has several excellent options:
   • Tidewater Community College (TCC): (Now part of Norfolk State University system). Their program is affordable and well-regarded.
   • Centura College: A private, for-profit option with a campus in Newport News.
   • International Career Institute (ICI) - Norfolk: Offers online/hybrid options.
2. Certification (The De Facto Requirement): While not state-mandated, 99% of competitive job postings in Norfolk (especially at Sentara, Bon Secours, and CHKD) will require you to be certified or eligible to sit for the exam. The two main ones are:
   • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA.
   • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from AMT.
   • Cost: Exam fees are $150-$250. Program tuition at TCC is roughly $5,000-$7,000 for in-state students.
3. Timeline: An accredited program takes 9-12 months. After graduation, you can schedule your exam. From starting a program to being a certified, job-ready candidate, you’re looking at 12-15 months.

Insider Tip: If you’re already a certified MA from another state, your certification (CMA/RMA) is portable. You simply need to apply for jobs. The key is understanding the local employer culture. Northern Virginia is more corporate; Norfolk is more community and military-focused.

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The Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Norfolk directly impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. As a local, I see three distinct profiles for MAs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Ghent & Ghent Village	Historic, walkable, trendy. Close to Sentara Norfolk General, EVMS, and many clinics. Cute cafes, shops, and parks.	$1,450 - $1,700	Younger MAs who want a vibrant social scene, can bike/walk to work, and don’t mind paying a premium for location.
North Norfolk / Colonial Place	Residential, quiet, tree-lined. Close to NMCP. More single-family homes. Commute to Sentara is 10-15 mins.	$1,200 - $1,400	MAs working at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth or those who want a quieter, more established neighborhood with good access to both Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Lake Taylor / Campostella	Working-class, diverse. More affordable housing (apartments and small homes). Further from the main medical hubs but a straight shot on I-64.	$1,000 - $1,250	Budget-conscious MAs or those looking to buy a home. The commute is longer (20-30 mins to Sentara), but your housing dollar goes much further.
Larchmont / Old Dominion University (ODU) Area	Collegiate and residential. Mix of students and young professionals. Close to the ODU campus and some clinics.	$1,300 - $1,500	MAs who are also students (e.g., at ODU for nursing) or who want a lively, youthful atmosphere.

Commuter Note: If you work at Sentara Leigh Hospital (in Virginia Beach) or Bon Secours DePaul, living in Norfolk is still a very easy commute via I-264. The reverse commute from Virginia Beach to Norfolk is also manageable.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Norfolk, the "long game" for an MA isn’t just about years of service—it’s about strategic specialization and leveraging the local ecosystem.

Specialty Premiums: Certain specializations can bump your pay above the median.

• Phlebotomy & EKG Tech: MAs who are certified to draw blood and perform EKGs are in high demand in cardiology and primary care. This can add $1-$2/hour to your base pay.
• Ophthalmology & Dermatology: These specialties in Norfolk (e.g., Virginia Eye Institute, Dermatology of Virginia) often pay a premium for MAs with specific procedural knowledge.
• Military/VA Experience: Having a security clearance or experience working in a federal facility (like NMCP or the nearby VA Medical Center) is a golden ticket. It’s highly transferable within the federal system.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead MA / Clinic Supervisor: Move into a leadership role within your current practice.
2. Medical Office Management: With additional coursework (e.g., from TCC’s business programs), you can move to front-office manager or practice administrator.
3. Bridge to Nursing: This is a huge pathway in Norfolk. EVMS, ODU, and TCC have excellent LPN and RN programs. Many local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement. As an MA, you’re already 1/3 of the way to an RN. This is the most common and rewarding advancement.
4. Medical Assisting Instructor: With 5+ years of experience and a certification, you can teach at local career schools or community colleges.

10-Year Outlook: The 15% job growth is solid. However, automation in administrative tasks (scheduling, billing) will likely mean the MA role becomes more clinically focused. The demand will be for MAs who can perform higher-level clinical skills. The military and aging population in Hampton Roads will ensure steady demand for the foreseeable future. Your key to staying relevant is continuous learning.

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The Verdict: Is Norfolk Right for You?

Norfolk offers a stable, community-focused healthcare job market with a manageable cost of living, but it’s not a place to get rich as an MA. It’s a place to build a career, especially if you leverage its educational pathways and unique military/government connections.

Pros and Cons Table

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Dominated by large, stable employers (Sentara, Bon Secours, military).	Salary Ceiling: The median ($37,971) is the reality for many. Significant jumps require career changes (e.g., to LPN/RN).
Manageable Cost of Living: More affordable than NOVA or major coastal cities, with a 97.4 index.	High Car Insurance & Rent: Two major budget items that eat into take-home pay.
Pathways for Advancement: Strong community college system (TCC) and universities (ODU, EVMS) for upskilling.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity, adding to monthly costs.
Unique Lifestyle: Beaches, history, military culture. Good work-life balance.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: New grads need certifications to stand out among the 461 job openings.
Excellent Benefits: Major employers offer strong health, retirement, and tuition reimbursement packages.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the occasional hurricane/tropical storm threat.

Final Recommendation: Norfolk is an excellent choice for a medical assistant who is career-oriented but values work-life balance. It’s ideal if you:

• Are willing to get certified and start at the entry-level median.
• See your MA role as a stepping stone to nursing or management.
• Want a stable job in a supportive, community-focused healthcare environment.
• Don’t mind a moderate climate and a car-centric lifestyle.

If your primary goal is to maximize income immediately or you dislike humid summers, you might look toward Richmond or the Washington D.C. metro area (though at a much higher cost of living). For a balanced, sustainable career start, Norfolk is a solid choice.

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FAQs

1. I’m a certified MA from another state. Can I just apply for jobs in Norfolk?
Yes. Virginia does not have a state licensure for MAs. Your CMA or RMA from the AAMA or AMT is fully recognized. Focus on tailoring your resume to the local employers (Sentara,