Medical Assistant Salary in USA 2025

How Much Do Medical Assistants Earn in 2025?

Medical assistants are entry-level, versatile healthcare workers who handle both clinical and administrative tasks in clinics, physician offices, and outpatient settings. They're the backbone of many medical practices—taking vital signs, preparing patients, managing records, and keeping operations running smoothly.

Recent 2024–2025 data puts typical US medical assistant pay around $41,000–$44,000 per year, or approximately $20 per hour. That's modest compared to many healthcare roles, but medical assisting offers something valuable: a fast entry into healthcare with short training requirements and excellent job growth projections.

Pay varies significantly by state, certification status, and work setting. Certified medical assistants in high-cost metros can earn $50,000+, while entry-level MAs in lower-cost areas may start in the mid-$30,000s. For those exploring healthcare careers without extensive education, medical assisting is a proven starting point—see our guide to high-paying jobs without a degree for more options.

National Average Salary: Annual and Hourly

Multiple data sources converge on similar figures for medical assistant compensation in 2025:

What the Numbers Mean

The typical medical assistant earns around $20 per hour—solidly above minimum wage but below many other healthcare roles. The range is relatively compressed: most MAs earn between $17–$23/hour regardless of experience, with top earners reaching the mid-$20s in high-paying markets or specialized roles.

For context, the average salary in the US is approximately $60,000–$65,000. Medical assistants earn below this average, but the role requires minimal upfront investment and serves as a launchpad into higher-paying healthcare careers.

Medical Assistant Salary by Experience Level

Experience impacts medical assistant pay, though the increases are more modest than in many professions.

Entry-Level (0–2 Years)

New medical assistants typically earn $34,000–$38,000 per year (approximately $16–$18/hour). Those fresh from training programs start at the lower end, while certified MAs with clinical externship experience may start higher. Entry-level pay has increased in recent years due to healthcare staffing shortages.

Mid-Career (3–7 Years)

With several years of experience, medical assistants commonly earn $40,000–$44,000 (approximately $19–$21/hour). At this stage, many MAs have obtained certification if they didn't have it initially, and have developed efficiency and broader clinical skills that employers value.

Experienced/Lead (8+ Years)

Experienced medical assistants, particularly those in lead or supervisory roles, can earn $48,000–$55,000+ (approximately $23–$26/hour). Moving into specialty practices (dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics) or taking on additional responsibilities like training new staff often accompanies these higher wages.

The Experience Ceiling

Unlike many careers where pay continues climbing with experience, medical assistant compensation tends to plateau. To significantly increase earnings beyond the mid-$50,000s, most MAs need to transition into different roles—office management, nursing, coding, or other advancement paths.

Medical Assistant Salary by State and City

Location significantly impacts medical assistant pay. The difference between lowest- and highest-paying states can exceed $15,000 annually.

Higher-Paying States and Metros

States with high costs of living and strong healthcare sectors offer the best medical assistant wages:

Alaska, Washington, California, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia consistently rank among the highest-paying, with average salaries in the mid-$40,000s to low-$50,000s. Major metropolitan areas—Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, New York—often pay 15–25% above state averages.

Lower-Paying States

Southern and rural states typically offer lower compensation. States like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and West Virginia may show averages in the mid-$30,000s. However, cost of living in these areas is also significantly lower, potentially offering comparable or better purchasing power.

Urban vs. Rural

Urban medical assistants generally earn more than rural counterparts, reflecting higher costs of living and greater competition for staff. However, rural areas facing severe healthcare shortages sometimes offer competitive wages or benefits to attract workers.

What Medical Assistants Do: Role and Settings

Medical assistants are uniquely versatile, handling both clinical and administrative responsibilities.

Clinical Duties

On the clinical side, medical assistants: take and record vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, weight), prepare patients for examinations and procedures, assist physicians during exams and minor procedures, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, administer medications and injections as directed, and perform basic laboratory tests and EKGs.

Administrative Duties

Administrative responsibilities include: scheduling appointments and managing patient flow, updating and maintaining medical records (often in EHR systems), handling insurance verification and billing, answering phones and managing correspondence, and coordinating referrals and test results.

Work Settings

Medical assistants work primarily in: physician offices (the largest employer), outpatient care centers and clinics, hospitals (outpatient departments), urgent care facilities, and specialty practices (dermatology, cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedics). Setting affects both pay and daily responsibilities—specialty practices often pay more and involve specialized skills.

Job Outlook and Growth

Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the US—excellent news for job security and opportunities.

Growth Projections

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 14–15% employment growth for medical assistants through the 2020s—much faster than the average for all occupations (typically 3–5%). This translates to roughly 100,000+ new positions over the decade.

What's Driving Demand

Aging population: More elderly Americans means more healthcare visits, routine care, and chronic disease management.

Outpatient expansion: Healthcare is shifting from hospitals to outpatient settings where medical assistants are essential staff.

Cost efficiency: Medical assistants cost less than nurses or other clinical staff while handling many routine tasks—making them valuable for practice economics.

Primary care emphasis: Healthcare policy increasingly emphasizes primary and preventive care, expanding demand for the clinics where MAs work.

Job Security

Strong growth projections translate to excellent job security. Medical assistants can typically find employment relatively quickly, and those willing to relocate have even more options. Certification and additional skills further strengthen job prospects.

Factors That Influence Medical Assistant Pay

Several factors can move medical assistant compensation from the low-$30,000s toward the low-$50,000s.

Certification

Certified Medical Assistants (CMA), Registered Medical Assistants (RMA), and Clinical Certified Medical Assistants (CCMA) typically earn $2,000–$5,000 more annually than non-certified MAs. Certification demonstrates competence and commitment, and some employers require or strongly prefer certified candidates.

Additional Skills

Skills beyond basic MA training command premium pay: phlebotomy certification (drawing blood), EKG/cardiac monitoring certification, medical billing and coding knowledge, electronic health record (EHR) proficiency, and bilingual abilities (especially Spanish in many markets).

Employer Type

Large health systems and hospitals often pay more than small independent practices, though they may have more rigid structures. Specialty practices (dermatology, plastic surgery, cardiology) frequently pay above average. Urgent care and outpatient surgery centers can also offer competitive wages.

Location

As noted in the state section, geography matters significantly. A medical assistant in San Francisco may earn 40% more than one in rural Alabama—though cost of living differs proportionally.

Training Path, Certification, and Advancement

Medical assisting offers one of the fastest paths into healthcare—and can serve as a springboard to higher-paying careers.

Becoming a Medical Assistant

Most medical assistants complete certificate or diploma programs lasting 9–12 months, though some community colleges offer 2-year associate degrees. Programs include classroom instruction and clinical externships. Some MAs learn entirely on the job, though formal training is increasingly preferred by employers.

Certification Options

National certification isn't legally required in most states but significantly improves job prospects and pay. Major credentials include: CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) through AAMA, RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) through AMT, CCMA (Clinical Certified Medical Assistant) through NHA, and NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant) through NCCT.

Career Advancement Paths

Medical assisting can lead to many directions:

Lead/Supervisory MA: Managing other medical assistants, training new staff, handling more complex tasks.

Office/Practice Manager: Transitioning to administrative leadership, potentially earning $50,000–$70,000+.

Medical Billing/Coding: Specializing in the revenue cycle, often with higher pay and remote work options.

Nursing: Many MAs pursue LPN or RN programs, significantly increasing earning potential. See our nurse practitioner salary guide for the upper end of nursing compensation.

Physician Assistant: With additional education, some MAs pursue PA programs. See our physician assistant salary guide for those earnings.

How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant

Within the medical assistant role, several strategies can boost your compensation.

Get Certified

If you're not already certified, obtaining CMA, RMA, or CCMA credentials typically adds $2,000–$5,000 to annual earnings. The investment in exam fees and preparation pays off quickly.

Add Valuable Skills

Phlebotomy certification, EKG training, and medical coding knowledge make you more valuable. Bilingual abilities—particularly Spanish—command premiums in many markets. Electronic health record expertise (Epic, Cerner) is increasingly important.

Target Higher-Paying Settings

Specialty practices, outpatient surgery centers, and large health systems often pay above average. Research which employers in your area offer the best compensation and target those opportunities.

Pursue Supervisory Roles

Lead medical assistant and MA supervisor positions offer higher pay plus valuable management experience. Express interest in leadership and take on additional responsibilities to position yourself for promotion.

Negotiate

Don't accept the first offer without discussion. Research local market rates, highlight your certifications and skills, and ask for what you're worth. See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.

Consider Relocation

If you're in a low-paying market and willing to move, higher-paying states and metros offer significantly better compensation. Factor in cost of living when evaluating opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average medical assistant salary in 2025?

The average medical assistant salary in 2025 is approximately $41,000–$44,000 per year, or about $20–$21 per hour. Pay ranges from around $34,000 for entry-level positions to $50,000–$55,000+ for experienced, certified MAs in high-paying markets.

How much do certified medical assistants make?

Certified medical assistants (CMA, RMA, CCMA) typically earn $2,000–$5,000 more annually than non-certified MAs. Certified MAs commonly earn $43,000–$48,000, with experienced certified MAs in specialty practices or supervisory roles earning $50,000+.

Which states pay medical assistants the most?

Alaska, Washington, California, Massachusetts, and District of Columbia consistently rank among the highest-paying states for medical assistants, with averages in the mid-$40,000s to low-$50,000s. Major metropolitan areas within any state typically pay above state averages.

Is medical assisting a good career in 2025?

Yes, for the right person. Medical assisting offers fast entry into healthcare (training under 1 year), excellent job growth (14–15% projected), and a stepping stone to higher-paying careers. Pay is modest but livable, and job security is strong. It's ideal for those wanting healthcare careers without years of education.

Can medical assistants advance into higher-paying jobs?

Absolutely. Common advancement paths include: lead/supervisory MA roles, office/practice management, medical billing and coding, nursing (LPN, RN, or beyond), and physician assistant programs. Many healthcare professionals started as medical assistants before advancing to higher-paying positions.