Medical Assistant Salary 2026: Pay, Hourly Rate & More
If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, one of the first questions is how much you can realistically earn. In the United States, the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data puts the median medical assistant salary at $45,690 per year, or $21.97 per hour, based on May 2025 wage data. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,050, while the highest 10% earned more than $59,310.
Actual pay varies by experience, location, healthcare setting, certification, employer, and the responsibilities included in the position. Current job-market data can also differ from government wage statistics because different sources use different methodologies. For example, Indeed reported an average U.S. medical assistant base rate of $21.27 per hour in September 2026, based on more than 95,000 salaries from job postings.
Medical Assistant Salary: Quick Answer
The latest official BLS data reports a median annual medical assistant salary of $45,690. That’s equivalent to approximately $3,808 per month before taxes if the annual figure is divided by 12, or about $21.97 per hour. The monthly figure is an approximate gross equivalent, not guaranteed take-home pay.
For additional market context, Indeed’s September 2026 data shows medical assistants averaging $21.27 per hour, with reported rates ranging from about $15.07 to $30.01 per hour depending on location, experience, and employer.
Medical Assistant Salary Snapshot
| Measure | Latest figure | Source / context |
| Median annual salary | $45,690 | BLS, May 2025 |
| Median hourly wage | $21.97 | BLS, May 2025 |
| Approx. monthly equivalent | $3,808 | $45,690 ÷ 12; gross equivalent |
| Lowest 10% | Below $36,050 | BLS, May 2025 |
| Highest 10% | Above $59,310 | BLS, May 2025 |
| Indeed average hourly base | $21.27 | Job-posting data, Sept. 2026 |
| Indeed reported low | $15.07/hour | Job-posting data |
| Indeed reported high | $30.01/hour | Job-posting data |
The BLS figures are occupational wage statistics, while Indeed’s figure is based on salary information from job postings. They should not be treated as identical datasets.
Medical Assistant Salary Per Hour
The latest BLS data places the median medical assistant wage at $21.97 per hour. This is a wage figure rather than take-home pay. Taxes, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and other deductions can reduce the amount that reaches an employee’s bank account.
Current job-market data can be somewhat different. Indeed reported an average base rate of $21.27 per hour in September 2026, based on 95.3 thousand salaries taken from job postings during the previous 36 months. Its reported range was approximately $15.07 to $30.01 per hour.
That difference does not necessarily mean one source is wrong. BLS and Indeed collect and calculate their data differently.
Medical Assistant Salary Per Month
Using the latest BLS median annual wage of $45,690, the approximate monthly gross equivalent is:
$45,690 ÷ 12 = $3,807.50 per month
So a medical assistant earning the BLS median would have an approximate gross monthly equivalent of $3,808 before taxes and other deductions.
This should not be described as an exact monthly take-home salary.
For comparison, an hourly worker earning Indeed’s September 2026 average of $21.27 would earn approximately $44,242 annually if working 40 hours per week for 52 weeks. That calculation is only an annualized illustration and is not an official annual salary figure.
Medical Assistant Salary Range
BLS provides a more useful picture of the distribution than simply quoting one average.
In May 2025:
- The lowest 10% earned less than $36,050
- The median was $45,690
- The highest 10% earned more than $59,310
This means a medical assistant’s actual salary can be substantially below or above the national median.
Experience is only one factor. Geographic location, healthcare setting, certification, specialty, employer, and responsibilities can also affect compensation.
Medical Assistant Salary for Freshers and Entry-Level Workers
There is no single national BLS salary specifically labeled “fresher medical assistant salary.”
That is important because a new medical assistant may enter the profession at a lower wage than the national median, while someone entering with certification, clinical experience, or relevant healthcare experience may receive a stronger offer.
Indeed’s September 2026 salary data lists an Entry Level Medical Assistant average of approximately $18.41 per hour. This is job-market data from Indeed rather than an official BLS entry-level wage statistic.
At $18.41 per hour, a simple 40-hour-week calculation would equal approximately $38,293 per year. This is an annualized calculation, not a guaranteed salary.
What Can Improve an Entry-Level Offer?
Employers may consider:
- Medical assistant education
- Certification
- Clinical externship experience
- Electronic health record experience
- Phlebotomy skills
- Basic Life Support certification
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Patient-care experience
- Communication skills
- Experience with scheduling and insurance procedures
Certification can be particularly useful because although most states do not require medical assistants to be certified, employers may prefer or require certification.
Senior Medical Assistant Salary
Experienced medical assistants can earn more than entry-level workers because they may take on additional clinical, administrative, training, or supervisory responsibilities.
Indeed’s September 2026 data reports an average of approximately $24.32 per hour for Senior Medical Assistants, compared with $18.41 per hour for its Entry Level Medical Assistant category.
At $24.32 per hour, a simple 40-hour-week calculation would equal about $50,586 annually.
Again, this is an annualized calculation rather than a guaranteed salary.
Senior medical assistants may improve their earning potential by developing expertise in areas such as:
- Specialty-clinic workflows
- Electronic medical records
- Phlebotomy
- Patient intake
- Insurance and billing procedures
- Clinical procedures
- Team coordination
- Training new medical assistants
- Specialty healthcare settings
Medical Assistant Salary by Healthcare Setting
Where a medical assistant works can affect compensation.
The latest BLS industry data shows the following median annual wages for medical assistants in May 2025:
| Healthcare setting | Median annual wage |
| Outpatient care centers | $48,560 |
| Hospitals; state, local and private | $46,910 |
| Offices of physicians | $45,520 |
| Offices of other health practitioners | $38,400 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025.
The figures demonstrate why there is no single salary that applies to every medical assistant.
For example, an outpatient-care position and a medical assistant position in an office of another health practitioner can have noticeably different wage levels.
Medical Assistant Salary by State
Location is another major salary factor.
BLS publishes state and metropolitan wage information through its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. The latest comprehensive state figures available for this comparison are from the May 2024 OEWS dataset.
Selected examples from the May 2024 data include:
| State | Median annual salary |
| Washington | $55,120 |
| Alaska | $51,860 |
| Oregon | $49,900 |
| District of Columbia | $49,740 |
| Minnesota | $49,380 |
| Hawaii | $48,820 |
| Massachusetts | $48,540 |
| California | $48,050 |
| New Hampshire | $48,040 |
| Wisconsin | $47,610 |
These figures are from the May 2024 BLS OEWS data and should be treated as location benchmarks rather than current 2026 job offers.
Washington, for example, had a particularly high state-level wage in that dataset. BLS’s May 2023 state data also showed a $53,780 mean annual wage for medical assistants in Washington.
When comparing states, don’t look at salary alone. Housing costs, taxes, commuting expenses, healthcare demand, and local job availability can materially change the financial value of a salary.
Which States Pay Medical Assistants the Most?
The May 2024 OEWS data indicates that Washington, Alaska, Oregon, the District of Columbia, Minnesota, Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin were among the higher-paying locations by median wage.
However, “highest salary” does not automatically mean “best place to work.”
For example, California can offer relatively strong medical assistant wages while also having high housing and living costs in many markets.
A better comparison is:
salary + local cost of living + taxes + benefits + job availability + career advancement.
Medical Assistant Salary by Company
Company-specific compensation can vary substantially.
Indeed’s current U.S. salary page shows individual job advertisements with different hourly rates and annual salaries. For example, current postings can show materially different compensation even for positions carrying the same basic medical assistant title.
That is why a company salary should be treated as an employer-specific data point rather than a universal medical assistant salary.
When evaluating an offer, check:
- Base hourly rate
- Expected weekly hours
- Overtime eligibility
- Shift differential
- Bonus
- Health insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Certification reimbursement
- Tuition assistance
- Promotion opportunities
Certified Medical Assistant Salary
A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a medical assistant who has earned a professional certification. Certification is not universally mandatory for medical assistants in the United States, but employers may prefer or require it.
The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the CMA (AAMA) credential. Eligibility can include graduating from a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, among other qualifying pathways.
Certification can strengthen a candidate’s qualifications, but it should not be assumed that every certified medical assistant earns a particular salary.
Pay still depends on:
- Location
- Employer
- Experience
- Specialty
- Responsibilities
- Certification
- Healthcare setting
Factors That Affect Medical Assistant Salary
Several factors can move medical assistant pay above or below the national median.
1. Experience
Experience can help workers qualify for positions involving more responsibility and may improve negotiating power.
2. Location
Wages differ considerably between states and metropolitan areas.
3. Healthcare Setting
BLS data shows different wage levels across outpatient centers, hospitals, physician offices, and other practitioner offices.
4. Certification
Certification may improve competitiveness with employers, although it does not guarantee a specific wage.
5. Specialty
Medical assistants can work in areas such as:
- Primary care
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Ophthalmology
- Women’s health
- Urgent care
- Oncology
Specialized environments may require additional knowledge or skills.
6. Responsibilities
A medical assistant performing both administrative and clinical responsibilities may have a different compensation structure from someone whose work is concentrated in one area.
7. Employer Size and Type
Large healthcare systems, hospitals, outpatient centers, private physician practices, and specialty clinics may use different compensation structures.
What Does a Medical Assistant Do?
Medical assistants perform a combination of administrative and clinical duties under the direction of physicians or other healthcare professionals.
According to BLS, common duties include:
- Recording patient medical histories
- Taking vital signs
- Helping physicians with examinations
- Scheduling appointments
- Collecting and preparing specimens
- Updating medical records
- Maintaining medical and office supplies
- Supporting insurance and billing processes
The exact scope of clinical work can vary by employer, location, specialty, and state law.
Medical assistants should also not be confused with physician assistants. Physician assistants are a different healthcare profession with substantially different education, responsibilities, and scope of practice.
Medical Assistant Education and Qualification
BLS identifies a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry-level education for medical assistants. Many complete a medical assistant certificate program, while some pursue an associate degree.
Medical assisting programs commonly cover subjects such as:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Clinical procedures
- Administrative procedures
- Patient communication
Programs commonly include supervised practical experience such as an externship or practicum. BLS says these programs often take about one or two years, depending on the program.
Some people enter the field with a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training, although formal education is common.
Do Medical Assistants Need Certification?
Not usually as a universal nationwide requirement.
BLS states that most states do not require certification, but employers may prefer or require certified medical assistants. Some states may have their own licensing or other requirements.
One well-known credential is the CMA (AAMA). The AAMA states that eligibility can be established through several pathways, including completion of an eligible CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program.
Because state rules can differ, candidates should check the requirements applicable to the state where they plan to work.
How to Become a Medical Assistant
A typical pathway is:
Step 1: Complete high school or an equivalent qualification
Science courses such as biology and chemistry can provide useful preparation.
Step 2: Complete a medical assisting program
A certificate or associate-degree program can provide classroom education and supervised practical experience.
Step 3: Develop clinical and administrative skills
Useful skills include vital signs, medical terminology, electronic medical records, scheduling, patient communication, and basic clinical procedures.
Step 4: Consider professional certification
Certification can improve competitiveness with employers and may be required by certain employers or circumstances.
Step 5: Apply for medical assistant positions
Potential workplaces include physician offices, hospitals, outpatient centers, specialty clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Step 6: Build experience
Experience can help you qualify for higher-responsibility positions and specialized healthcare environments.
Medical Assistant Career Growth
Medical assisting can provide a starting point for a broader healthcare career.
A possible progression is:
Entry-Level Medical Assistant → Experienced Medical Assistant → Senior Medical Assistant → Lead Medical Assistant / Clinical Coordinator
Some workers may also use their experience as a foundation for additional education and move into other healthcare occupations.
However, advancement is not automatic. Moving into professions such as nursing, radiologic technology, or other clinical careers generally requires additional education, licensing, or certification.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook
Medical assisting has a strong projected employment outlook.
BLS projects medical assistant employment to grow 13% from 2025 to 2035, considerably faster than the average for all occupations. The agency projects approximately 109,700 openings per year on average during that period.
BLS attributes part of the demand to the growing older-adult population and the resulting need for healthcare services.
This does not mean every medical assistant will automatically find a high-paying job. Local demand, qualifications, certification, experience, and employer requirements still matter.
Medical Assistant Benefits and Compensation
Salary is only one part of compensation.
Depending on the employer, a medical assistant may receive:
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision coverage
- Retirement benefits
- Paid time off
- Sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Employer retirement contributions
- Certification assistance
- Tuition assistance
- Professional development
- Bonus opportunities
Benefits vary by employer and employment status, so candidates should evaluate the entire compensation package rather than comparing hourly wages alone.
Medical Assistant In-Hand Salary
Your in-hand medical assistant salary will normally be lower than your gross pay.
Possible deductions include:
- Federal income tax
- State income tax where applicable
- Social Security
- Medicare
- Health insurance premiums
- Retirement contributions
- Other employer-specific deductions
For this reason, the BLS median of $45,690 should not be described as a $3,808 take-home salary. $3,808 is simply the approximate monthly equivalent before deductions.
An exact take-home calculation would require information such as filing status, state, tax situation, insurance costs, retirement contributions, and other deductions.
Medical Assistant Salary vs. Similar Healthcare Careers
Medical assisting is one of several healthcare-support careers that can be entered without a four-year bachelor’s degree.
According to BLS’s May 2025 figures:
| Occupation | 2025 median annual pay |
| Medical Assistant | $45,690 |
| Dental Assistant | $48,070 |
| Phlebotomist | $45,230 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $45,750 |
| Nursing Assistant/Orderly | $41,870 |
| LPN/LVN | $64,400 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,200 |
These occupations have different education, licensing, duties, and career paths, so salary alone should not determine which one is the best fit.
Is Medical Assisting a Good Career?
Medical assisting can be attractive for people who want to enter healthcare without spending the same amount of time in education required for many licensed clinical professions.
The occupation combines administrative and clinical work, has a projected 13% employment growth rate for 2025–2035, and has a relatively large number of projected annual openings.
The trade-off is that medical assistant compensation is generally below that of more highly licensed healthcare professions such as registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, and physician assistants.
Whether it is a good career depends on your desired education timeline, income target, work environment, patient-contact preference, and long-term career plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average medical assistant salary in 2026?
The latest BLS median wage available for a 2026 salary guide is $45,690 per year, based on May 2025 wage data. That equals about $21.97 per hour.
How much does a medical assistant make per hour?
The BLS median is $21.97 per hour based on May 2025 data. Indeed reported an average base rate of $21.27 per hour in September 2026 using job-posting salary data.
How much does a medical assistant make per month?
The BLS median annual salary of $45,690 works out to approximately $3,808 per month before deductions. This is an annual-to-monthly equivalent, not guaranteed take-home pay.
What is the starting salary for a medical assistant?
There is no single national official starting salary. Indeed reported an average of approximately $18.41 per hour for Entry Level Medical Assistants in September 2026.
How much does a senior medical assistant make?
Indeed reported an average of approximately $24.32 per hour for Senior Medical Assistants in September 2026. Actual senior-level compensation varies by location, employer, specialty, and responsibility.
Do medical assistants need a degree?
A four-year bachelor’s degree is generally not required. BLS identifies a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry-level education, and medical assistants commonly complete certificate programs or associate degrees.
Do medical assistants need to be certified?
Most states do not universally require certification, but employers may prefer or require it. State requirements can differ.
What is a CMA (AAMA)?
The CMA (AAMA) is a professional medical assisting credential awarded through the American Association of Medical Assistants’ certification program. Eligibility includes qualifying educational pathways such as graduation from an eligible CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program.
Which state pays medical assistants the most?
The May 2024 BLS OEWS data shows Washington with a median annual wage of approximately $55,120, followed by Alaska at $51,860 and Oregon at $49,900 among the highest-paying locations listed.
Do medical assistants get benefits?
Many full-time medical assistant positions offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and other employer-specific benefits, but packages vary by employer.
What is the job outlook for medical assistants?
BLS projects medical assistant employment to grow 13% from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 109,700 openings per year on average during the period.
Conclusion
The medical assistant salary in the United States is best understood as a range rather than one guaranteed number. The latest BLS data places the median annual wage at $45,690, while current job-posting data from Indeed shows an average base rate of about $21.27 per hour.
Your actual pay can change significantly based on location, healthcare setting, experience, certification, specialty, employer, and responsibilities.
For someone entering the profession, completing a recognized medical assisting program, building practical clinical and administrative skills, and considering professional certification can improve competitiveness. With employment projected to grow faster than average, medical assisting can also provide a starting point for longer-term healthcare career development.
Data note: This 2026 guide uses the latest available BLS wage data, which is from May 2025, together with current 2026 job-market data where identified. Salary figures from different sources should not be treated as interchangeable because their methodologies differ.
