Medical Assistant Salaries

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Medical Assistant make?

The average salary for a Medical Assistant is $41,569 per year in the US.

A Medical Assistant plays a key role in healthcare settings. They help doctors and nurses with patient care. Their work can be both rewarding and financially stable. The average salary for a Medical Assistant is around $41,569 per year. This means they earn a good income, which can support a comfortable lifestyle.

The salary for Medical Assistants can vary based on experience and location. Those with more experience can earn more. For example, a Medical Assistant with 10 years of experience might earn closer to $60,500 per year. Locations with a higher cost of living, such as big cities, often offer higher salaries. This can be a good incentive for those willing to relocate. The job market for Medical Assistants is strong, offering many opportunities for growth and advancement. This makes it a stable career choice for many job seekers.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Medical Assistant?

Medical Assistants can find some of the best pay in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Santa Rosa. These cities offer higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for healthcare services. Job seekers should consider these locations for better earning potential. San Francisco, Seattle, and Santa Rosa lead in pay, but other cities like San Jose, Vallejo, and Sacramento also offer competitive wages. These cities provide a good balance of salary and living costs. Job seekers may find attractive opportunities in these areas.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Medical Assistant jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $59,277 and Spokane, WA with the lowest at $47,749.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $59,277
    In San Francisco, healthcare professionals enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere. The city's top clinics and hospitals offer dynamic environments. Companies like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent opportunities.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $56,180
    Seattle offers a mix of urban and natural settings. The city's healthcare sector is strong, with major employers like Seattle Children's and Virginia Mason. Working here means access to cutting-edge facilities.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $54,614
    Santa Rosa provides a quieter, yet thriving healthcare market. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers. The city's smaller size offers a close-knit community feel.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $52,671
    San Jose's tech-savvy environment extends to healthcare. The city boasts major employers like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente. Professionals can enjoy a blend of innovation and care.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Vallejo, CA
    Average Salary: $51,758
    Vallejo offers a balanced lifestyle with a strong healthcare sector. NorthBay Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente are key employers. The city's smaller size provides a supportive work environment.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA


  6. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $49,389
    Sacramento's central location offers diverse healthcare opportunities. Major employers include Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health. The city's growing healthcare sector provides many job prospects.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $49,188
    Portland's progressive healthcare scene is vibrant. Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health are major employers. The city's emphasis on wellness makes it an attractive place to work.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $48,145
    Minneapolis offers a mix of healthcare and urban living. Major employers like Allina Health and Mayo Clinic provide excellent opportunities. The city's strong healthcare network is a big plus.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $48,002
    San Diego's sunny climate and strong healthcare sector make it an appealing choice. Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente are key employers. The city's diverse environment offers many job opportunities.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $47,749
    Spokane provides a welcoming atmosphere with a robust healthcare market. Providence Health and Kaiser Permanente are major employers. The city's smaller size offers a supportive community feel.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Spokane, WA

What are the best companies a Medical Assistant can work for?

Medical Assistants can find excellent job opportunities with top-paying employers. Seattle Children's, North East Medical Services, and WhidbeyHealth Medical Center offer some of the highest salaries. These companies value their staff and provide competitive compensation packages. Choosing a job with these employers can lead to a rewarding career. John Muir Health, University of California - San Francisco, and University of Washington also offer attractive pay. These institutions recognize the importance of skilled Medical Assistants. Working for them can provide both financial stability and professional growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Medical Assistant jobs, highlighting Seattle Children's with the highest at $76,442 and Overlake Medical Center and Clinics with the lowest at $64,792.
  1. Seattle Children's
    Average Salary: $76,442
    Seattle Children's offers rewarding Medical Assistant jobs. Working here means you'll be part of a team dedicated to pediatric care. Locations include Seattle, Bellevue, and Everett.


  2. North East Medical Services
    Average Salary: $73,889
    North East Medical Services provides excellent opportunities for Medical Assistants. They focus on family health and wellness. Their clinics are located in Seattle, Lynnwood, and Bothell.


  3. WhidbeyHealth Medical Center
    Average Salary: $68,904
    WhidbeyHealth Medical Center is a great place for Medical Assistants. They offer a supportive environment with a focus on community care. Their main location is in Coupeville, with additional clinics in Oak Harbor and Freeland.


  4. John Muir Health
    Average Salary: $68,291
    John Muir Health provides diverse opportunities for Medical Assistants. They emphasize patient-centered care. Their facilities are spread across Walnut Creek, Concord, and Antioch.


  5. University of California - San Francisco
    Average Salary: $66,662
    The University of California - San Francisco offers Medical Assistant jobs with a focus on research and innovation. They are located in San Francisco, with additional sites in Oakland and San Jose.


  6. University Of Washington
    Average Salary: $66,489
    The University Of Washington provides Medical Assistant positions with a strong emphasis on education and research. Their main locations are in Seattle and Tacoma, with outreach programs across the state.


  7. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
    Average Salary: $66,002
    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers Medical Assistant jobs with a focus on cancer treatment and research. They are located in Seattle, with additional facilities in Tacoma and Everett.


  8. Stanford Medicine Children's Health
    Average Salary: $65,643
    Stanford Medicine Children's Health provides Medical Assistant jobs with a focus on pediatric care. They are located in Palo Alto, with additional clinics in San Jose and Santa Clara.


  9. Sutter Health
    Average Salary: $64,815
    Sutter Health offers Medical Assistant jobs with a focus on comprehensive healthcare. They have locations throughout Northern California, including Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Jose.


  10. Overlake Medical Center and Clinics
    Average Salary: $64,792
    Overlake Medical Center and Clinics provide Medical Assistant jobs with a focus on patient care. Their main location is in Bellevue, with additional clinics in Redmond and Issaquah.

How to earn more as a Medical Assistant?

A Medical Assistant can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on specific areas, they can enhance their skills and value in the job market. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can include specialties like phlebotomy or electrocardiography. Each certification can open up new job roles and higher salary brackets.

Another important factor is gaining experience. Working in different healthcare settings can provide a broader skill set. This makes a Medical Assistant more versatile and valuable. Experience also leads to promotions and higher pay. Networking with other healthcare professionals can lead to job referrals and insider tips on higher-paying positions. Continuing education is also crucial. Attending workshops and seminars can keep skills up-to-date and competitive. Lastly, seeking positions in high-demand areas can lead to higher salaries. Urban areas or regions with a shortage of healthcare workers often offer better pay.

Here are five factors to consider for increasing earnings as a Medical Assistant:

  1. Obtain additional certifications in specialized areas.
  2. Gain experience in different healthcare settings.
  3. Network with other healthcare professionals for job referrals.
  4. Attend workshops and seminars for continuing education.
  5. Seek positions in high-demand areas or regions.

Currently 24,175 Medical Assistant job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Medical Assistant in the US?

Learn what a Medical Assistant does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Medical Assistant today.
Position
Overview
Medical Assistant
24,175 Job Openings