Medical Assistant Salary 2025: $45,690 Median and 12.5% Job Growth
Medical Assistants earn a median salary of $45,690 per year, or about $22 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The typical range runs from $36,050 at the 10th percentile to $59,310 at the 90th. With 817,870 workers and a projected 12.5% growth rate—much faster than average—this is one of the most accessible healthcare entry points.
How much Medical Assistants earn
The national median salary for Medical Assistants is $45,690, with a mean of $46,120. That translates to roughly $22.17 an hour. Most earn between $36,050 and $59,310. Pay varies mostly by location, experience, and setting—those in hospitals or outpatient clinics tend to earn more than those in physician offices.
- Median annual wage: $45,690
- Mean annual wage: $46,120
- Hourly mean: $22.17
- 10th percentile: $36,050
- 90th percentile: $59,310
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Washington tops the list at $59,290, followed by Alaska ($52,560), D.C. ($51,050), Minnesota ($50,480), and Oregon ($50,410). On the low end, Louisiana pays $36,320, Alabama $36,100, and Mississippi $35,360. The gap between top and bottom states is more than $23,000.
- Highest: Washington $59,290
- Alaska $52,560
- District of Columbia $51,050
- Minnesota $50,480
- Oregon $50,410
- Lowest: Louisiana $36,320
- Alabama $36,100
- Mississippi $35,360
How to become Medical Assistant
Most Medical Assistants enter the field with a postsecondary certificate or diploma from a 1-year program, often offered by community colleges or vocational schools. Some employers accept on-the-job training, but certification boosts hiring chances. Two main credentials are the CMA (AAMA) and the RMA (AMT). Certification requires graduating from an accredited program and passing an exam. No state license is required, though some states have specific scope-of-practice rules. Typical entry-level tasks include taking vitals, administering injections, and handling front-office duties.
- Complete a 1-year certificate or diploma program (accredited preferred).
- Or earn an associate degree (2 years) for broader training.
- Pass a certification exam: CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT).
- Maintain certification with continuing education (every 5 years for CMA).
- Apply for entry-level roles; many employers provide additional on-the-job training.
Job outlook
Employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 12.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 112,300 openings each year, mostly from growth and workers leaving the field. An aging population and increased demand for preventive care fuel the need. This role is a solid bet for stable employment.
- Projected growth 2024–2034: 12.5%
- Annual openings: ~112,300
- Growth rate: Much faster than average
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest paying state for Medical Assistants?
Washington, with an average annual wage of $59,290.
How long does it take to become a Medical Assistant?
Most certificate programs take about 1 year; associate degrees take 2 years.
Do Medical Assistants need certification?
Not always, but most employers prefer CMA or RMA certification; it significantly improves job prospects.
What is the job growth for Medical Assistants?
12.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 112,300 openings per year.
What is the starting salary for a Medical Assistant?
The 10th percentile (often entry-level) earns about $36,050 per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Medical Assistants data.