How much does a Medical Assistant make?
Medical Assistants play a vital role in healthcare settings. They help doctors and nurses with patient care and administrative tasks. The average yearly salary for a Medical Assistant is around $42,939. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and the type of healthcare facility.
The salary range for Medical Assistants can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn about $30,000 per year. The highest 10% earn more than $63,000 annually. Most Medical Assistants fall somewhere in the middle. For example, those in the 25th percentile earn around $33,014, while those in the 75th percentile earn about $54,111. This range shows that with more experience and skills, Medical Assistants can earn a higher salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a Medical Assistant?

-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $61,219
San Francisco offers a vibrant environment for healthcare professionals. With top-tier hospitals and clinics, you can find rewarding opportunities. Companies like UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent career growth.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $59,068
Seattle is a great place for healthcare workers. The city boasts many renowned medical facilities. Working at Virginia Mason or Swedish Health Services can offer a fulfilling career.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $56,734
Santa Rosa provides a welcoming atmosphere for medical professionals. The city has many healthcare institutions. Sutter Health and Adventist Health offer great opportunities for growth.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Santa Rosa, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $53,844
San Jose is a bustling city with many healthcare jobs. The area has several large medical centers. Working at Stanford Health Care or Kaiser Permanente can be very rewarding.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $53,735
Vallejo offers a supportive environment for healthcare workers. The city has many hospitals and clinics. NorthBay Healthcare and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent career paths.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Vallejo, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $51,514
Sacramento is a growing city with many healthcare opportunities. The area has several large medical institutions. Working at UC Davis Health or Kaiser Permanente can offer a fulfilling career.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $50,787
Portland is a vibrant city with many healthcare jobs. The city has many hospitals and clinics. Working at Kaiser Permanente or Providence Health can offer great career growth.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Portland, OR
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $49,801
San Diego offers a dynamic environment for healthcare professionals. The city has many top-tier medical facilities. Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente provide excellent opportunities.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in San Diego, CA
-
Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $49,668
Minneapolis is a great city for healthcare workers. The area has many large medical centers. Working at Mayo Clinic or Allina Health can offer a rewarding career.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Minneapolis, MN
-
Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $49,598
Spokane offers a supportive environment for healthcare professionals. The city has many hospitals and clinics. Working at Providence Sacred Heart or Kaiser Permanente can be very fulfilling.
Find Medical Assistant jobs in Spokane, WA
What are the best companies a Medical Assistant can work for?

-
North East Medical Services
Average Salary: $73,462
North East Medical Services offers a range of healthcare services. They have locations in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. Medical Assistants here work in a fast-paced environment, supporting doctors and nurses.
-
Seattle Children's
Average Salary: $73,401
Seattle Children's is a leading pediatric healthcare system. They have locations in Seattle and Bellevue. Medical Assistants here focus on providing care for children and their families.
-
John Muir Health
Average Salary: $73,007
John Muir Health operates in the San Francisco Bay Area. They have locations in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Antioch. Medical Assistants here work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
-
Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Average Salary: $72,493
Stanford Medicine Children's Health is a top pediatric healthcare provider. They have locations in Palo Alto and Stanford. Medical Assistants here are part of a team dedicated to children's health.
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $69,200
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is a renowned cancer treatment facility. They have locations in Seattle and Tacoma. Medical Assistants here work in a specialized environment focused on cancer care.
-
Alameda Health System
Average Salary: $67,950
Alameda Health System provides healthcare services in Oakland and Alameda. Medical Assistants here work in a diverse and inclusive environment.
-
University of California - San Francisco
Average Salary: $67,899
University of California - San Francisco is a leading academic medical center. They have locations in San Francisco. Medical Assistants here work in a research-focused environment.
-
WhidbeyHealth Medical Center
Average Salary: $67,428
WhidbeyHealth Medical Center serves the Whidbey Island area. Medical Assistants here work in a community-focused environment.
-
University Of Washington
Average Salary: $67,374
University Of Washington is a top academic institution. They have locations in Seattle. Medical Assistants here work in a research and teaching environment.
-
Genie Healthcare
Average Salary: $67,325
Genie Healthcare is a staffing agency that places healthcare professionals in various locations. Medical Assistants here have the opportunity to work in different settings and locations.
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 workplace. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities. One key factor is gaining additional certifications. These can open doors to specialized roles that pay more. Another way is to work in high-demand areas, such as urban centers or regions with a shortage of healthcare workers.
Continuing education is another important factor. Medical Assistants who take courses to stay updated with the latest medical practices can earn more. They can also take on more responsibilities at work, such as supervising other assistants or managing patient records. Networking with other healthcare professionals can also lead to better job offers. Finally, seeking out employers who offer competitive salaries and benefits can make a big difference in earnings.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Medical Assistant:
- Obtain additional certifications
- Work in high-demand areas
- Pursue continuing education
- Take on more responsibilities
- Network with other professionals



