Medical Assistant Salary in 2026
Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, taking vital signs, scheduling appointments, and assisting with medical procedures.
Median Salary
$39,000
$3,250/mo
Entry Level
$31,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$47,000
experienced
Job Growth
+14%
10-yr outlook
Medical Assistant Overview
Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings, taking vital signs, scheduling appointments, and assisting with medical procedures.
Education
Certificate
Experience
0-1 year
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
730K
5-Year Growth
+8%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$18.75/hr
Monthly Pay
$3,250
Medical Assistant Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Medical Assistant salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Medical Assistant Salary
$42,000
$3,500/month · $1,615/biweekly · $20.19/hr
Medical Assistant Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Medical Assistant field.
Entry-level Medical Assistants earn around $31,000, while the top 10% earn $51,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Medical Assistants
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $46,000 | +$7,000 |
| New York | $45,000 | +$6,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $39,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $38,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $38,000 | $-1,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $46,000 | +$7,000 |
| Los Angeles | $44,000 | +$5,000 |
| Miami | $40,000 | +$1,000 |
| Philadelphia | $40,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $39,000 | $0 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Medical Assistant Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Medical Assistant from entry level to expert.
$31,000
0-2 years
$39,000
3-7 years
$47,000
8-14 years
$56,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Medical Assistant Salary FAQ
How much does a Medical Assistant make in 2026?
The median salary for a Medical Assistant in the United States is $39,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $31,000, while senior professionals earn up to $47,000. Top earners in the field can make $56,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Medical Assistant?
A Medical Assistant typically requires a Certificate with 0-1 year of experience. Key skills include Vital Signs, Phlebotomy, EHR. Relevant certifications such as CMA or RMA can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Medical Assistants?
The job market for Medical Assistants is projected to grow by 14% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 730K Medical Assistant positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 8%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Medical Assistants the most?
The highest-paying states for Medical Assistants include California, Texas, Florida. In California, the median salary is approximately $46,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Medical Assistant salary?
To increase your Medical Assistant salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Vital Signs and Phlebotomy. Pursue certifications such as CMA. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-1 year of experience, you can progress from $31,000 to $47,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Medical Assistant Salary
How we calculate Medical Assistant salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $39,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Medical Assistant in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($31,000) and senior-level ($47,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +14% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 730K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 8% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Certificate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $39,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Medical Assistant compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Medical Assistant job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Medical Assistant salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Vital Signs, Phlebotomy, EHR), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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