How much does a Medical Assistant make?
Medical Assistants play a key role in healthcare settings. They help doctors and nurses with patient care and administrative tasks. These professionals often enjoy a rewarding career with a good salary. The average yearly salary for Medical Assistants is about $43,956. This figure can vary based on experience and location.
Many factors influence a Medical Assistant's salary. Generally, those with more experience earn higher wages. The location of the job also plays a big role. Urban areas tend to offer higher salaries than rural areas. Additionally, specific industries, such as hospitals or clinics, may pay differently. On average, Medical Assistants can expect to earn between $30,000 and $65,000 per year, with most clustering around the $42,891 midpoint. This range provides a good opportunity for growth and advancement in the field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Medical Assistant?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $62,518
In San Francisco, one can find many healthcare facilities. Professionals thrive in these bustling clinics. Large companies like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente offer many opportunities.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $60,177
Seattle offers many chances for those in the healthcare field. The city's many clinics and hospitals need dedicated staff. Major employers include Virginia Mason and MultiCare.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $58,914
Santa Rosa has a welcoming environment for healthcare workers. Smaller clinics and larger hospitals provide diverse experiences. Key employers are Sutter Health and Adventist Health.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $55,260
San Jose's vibrant healthcare sector offers many opportunities. Clinics and hospitals thrive here. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and Stanford Health Care lead the way.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $54,150
Vallejo's healthcare system values skilled workers. The city's clinics and hospitals offer many positions. NorthBay Healthcare is a notable employer in the area.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $52,859
Sacramento provides many healthcare jobs. The city's large hospitals and clinics offer many opportunities. Major employers include UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $51,455
Portland's healthcare market is strong. Many clinics and hospitals need dedicated staff. Key employers include Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health & Services.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Portland, OR
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $51,038
San Diego has a thriving healthcare sector. Clinics and hospitals in the area offer many jobs. Major employers include Sharp HealthCare and Kaiser Permanente.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $50,709
Minneapolis offers many healthcare positions. The city's large medical centers and clinics need skilled workers. Employers like Allina Health and Mayo Clinic are leaders here.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN
-
Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $50,347
Spokane provides many healthcare job opportunities. The city's hospitals and clinics need dedicated professionals. Key employers include Spokane Regional Health District and Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Spokane, WA
What are the best companies a Medical Assistant can work for?

-
El Camino Health
Average Salary: $82,857
El Camino Health offers rewarding careers for Medical Assistants. They provide excellent patient care in hospitals and clinics. Their facilities are located in Mountain View and Los Gatos, California. They value teamwork and are committed to a healthier community.
-
John Muir Health
Average Salary: $74,486
John Muir Health employs Medical Assistants who work in state-of-the-art medical settings. They have locations in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Antioch, California. Their focus on patient care and professional growth makes them a top employer.
-
North East Medical Services
Average Salary: $73,830
At North East Medical Services, Medical Assistants enjoy a supportive work environment. They serve communities in Santa Clara County, California. They offer competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development.
-
Cottage Health
Average Salary: $72,463
Cottage Health provides a great place for Medical Assistants to grow. They have locations in Santa Barbara and Goleta, California. They focus on compassionate care and offer excellent benefits and salary packages.
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $71,849
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is known for its dedication to patient care. They have facilities in Seattle, Washington. Working here means being part of a leading cancer research and treatment center.
-
University of California - San Francisco
Average Salary: $70,700
At the University of California - San Francisco, Medical Assistants play a key role in patient care. Located in San Francisco, they are part of a renowned academic health center. They offer competitive salaries and many opportunities for professional development.
-
Alameda Health System
Average Salary: $70,158
Alameda Health System provides Medical Assistants with a chance to make a difference. They have multiple locations in Oakland, California. They focus on providing high-quality care and offer excellent benefits.
-
University Of Washington
Average Salary: $67,726
The University Of Washington offers rewarding opportunities for Medical Assistants. They have locations in Seattle, Washington. They value education and professional growth, providing a great work environment.
-
Sutter Health
Average Salary: $67,271
Sutter Health employs Medical Assistants who contribute to excellent patient care. They have facilities throughout Northern California. They offer competitive salaries and many opportunities for career growth.
-
Overlake Medical Center and Clinics
Average Salary: $66,180
Overlake Medical Center and Clinics is a great place for Medical Assistants. They have locations in Bellevue and Redmond, Washington. They focus on providing high-quality care and offer many benefits.
How to earn more as a Medical Assistant?
A career as a Medical Assistant offers many opportunities for growth and increased earnings. By focusing on key areas, individuals can enhance their skills and potentially earn more. Increasing your earning potential involves a combination of education, experience, and specialized skills. Medical Assistants who invest in their professional development often see higher salaries and more job satisfaction.
Here are some factors that can help a Medical Assistant earn more:
- Advanced Certifications: Obtaining specialized certifications can significantly increase earning potential. Certifications in areas such as EKG, phlebotomy, or medical billing and coding make a Medical Assistant more valuable.
- Experience: Gaining experience in different medical settings can lead to higher salaries. Experience allows Medical Assistants to handle more responsibilities and take on leadership roles, which often come with higher pay.
- Higher Education: Pursuing additional education, such as an associate or bachelor's degree, can lead to better-paying positions. Some employers prefer or require more education for higher-level roles.
- Location: Salary can vary greatly depending on the geographic location. Urban areas or regions with a high demand for healthcare professionals often offer higher wages.
- Specialized Skills: Developing skills in electronic health records (EHR) systems, patient care management, and other advanced practices can make a Medical Assistant more attractive to employers and command higher pay.



