Medical Assistant Salary Guide (2025)
Medical assistants are the utility players of outpatient medicine — handling both clinical duties (vital signs, injections, EKGs) and administrative tasks (scheduling, billing, records). They're the most common healthcare occupation in the country, and with targeted certification and the right specialty, earnings rise well above the median. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median of $38,270 annually for medical assistants.
Medical Assistant Salary by State (2025)
| State | Annual Mean Wage | Hourly Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| California | $46,840 | $22.52 |
| Alaska | $45,840 | $22.04 |
| Oregon | $44,840 | $21.56 |
| Colorado | $43,840 | $21.08 |
| Massachusetts | $43,640 | $20.98 |
| Nevada | $42,840 | $20.60 |
| Minnesota | $42,640 | $20.50 |
| Hawaii | $41,840 | $20.12 |
| New York | $41,840 | $20.12 |
| Connecticut | $41,640 | $20.02 |
| Arizona | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| Texas | $37,210 | $17.89 |
| Florida | $37,210 | $17.89 |
| Ohio | $35,840 | $17.23 |
| Georgia | $34,920 | $16.79 |
| North Carolina | $34,810 | $16.74 |
| Tennessee | $33,840 | $16.27 |
| Mississippi | $31,840 | $15.31 |
| Virginia | $38,840 | $18.67 |
Medical Assistant Salary by Specialty Practice
| Practice Type | Annual Salary Range | Key Skills Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Care / Family Practice | $34,000 – $42,000 | General clinical skills, EMR proficiency |
| Dermatology | $38,000 – $50,000 | Minor procedures, BOTOX assist |
| Orthopedics | $40,000 – $52,000 | Cast application, X-ray assist |
| Cardiology | $40,000 – $54,000 | EKG proficiency, cardiac monitoring |
| Surgery / Surgical Centers | $42,000 – $56,000 | Surgical prep, instrument handling |
| Ophthalmology | $40,000 – $52,000 | Visual acuity testing, eye drops |
| Urgent Care | $38,000 – $50,000 | High-volume, fast-paced skills |
| Oncology | $42,000 – $56,000 | Chemotherapy assist (certified), port access |
Education and Training Requirements
Medical assisting programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and online institutions. Program options include:
- Certificate programs: 9–12 months, focused specifically on MA skills and clinical procedures
- Associate degree programs: 18–24 months, broader education including medical billing/coding and some management coursework
- Online programs: Available for the didactic (classroom) component with local clinical externship placements
After completing an accredited program, most MAs sit for the AAMA's CMA exam or AMTA's RMA exam to become certified.
Advancement Paths from Medical Assistant
Medical assisting is often a launching pad for higher-paying healthcare careers:
- Surgical technologist: MA → Additional 12–24 month surgical tech program → $57,800+ median
- Radiologic technologist: MA → 2-year rad tech program → $65,140+ median
- Registered nurse: MA → ADN or BSN program → $81,220+ median (MA experience is valuable for nursing school admissions)
- Medical billing/coding specialist: MA → CPC certification → $47,000–$65,000 in healthcare administration
- Practice manager: Senior MA → practice administrator role with 10+ years → $65,000–$95,000
See the Medical Assistant Career Guide. Also compare with EMT & Paramedic Salary Guide.
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