Average Salary for Medical Assistants in the United States: A Data-Based National Pay Analysis

The average salary for medical assistants in the United States is reported at roughly $44,720 annually in 2024 by U.S. News, while other recent datasets place the average near $46,120. These figures describe different reporting methods and reference periods, so the most useful interpretation requires comparing average pay with median wages, percentiles, geography, and job characteristics rather than treating one number as universal. 1 2

National salary benchmarks

U.S. News reports a 2024 median medical assistant salary of $44,200 and an average salary of $44,720. The same dataset places the lower 25th percentile at $37,610 and the upper 25th percentile at $48,160. These figures indicate that a typical annual wage is concentrated within a relatively broad range, with substantial variation below and above the midpoint. 1

A separate summary based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data reports an average annual salary of $46,120 and a median of $45,690. That source identifies 817,870 employed medical assistants in its coverage, demonstrating why national estimates may differ when datasets use different years, samples, definitions, or calculation methods. 2

Average pay compared with median pay

Average and median salaries answer different questions. An average adds all reported wages and divides by the number of workers, so unusually high or low observations can influence it. A median identifies the middle value, meaning half of reported workers earn more and half earn less. For medical assistants, the reported average of $44,720 and median of $44,200 are close, suggesting that the national distribution is not being dramatically shifted by a small number of very high salaries. 1

Hourly estimates provide another comparison point. U.S. News lists a 2024 average of $44,720, while Credenza reports $44,720 annually or $21.50 per hour. Indeed reports an average base wage of $21.07 per hour from 96,900 salaries drawn from job postings during the preceding 36 months. Differences between payroll surveys and job-posting data can reflect overtime treatment, part-time work, posting geography, and whether the figure represents an advertised rate or a reported wage. 3 6

Percentiles and expected salary range

Percentile data gives more detail than a single national average. The reported 10th percentile is $36,050, the 25th percentile is $38,470, the 75th percentile is $49,180, and the 90th percentile is $59,310. Another BLS-based summary lists the 10th percentile at $35,020 and the 90th percentile above $57,830. The difference reflects source updates and methodology, but both datasets show a meaningful spread between entry-level and upper-range compensation. 2 8

The figures should not be interpreted as guaranteed starting or maximum salaries. Experience, credentials, duties, employer type, local labor conditions, and full-time status can place an individual outside the central range. Benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions may also affect total compensation, but they are not included in the base salary figures shown above. 2 4

Geographic differences in medical assistant pay

Location is one of the clearest influences on medical assistant compensation. A state comparison reports average annual salaries of $58,590 in Washington, $55,100 in California, $51,850 in Massachusetts, $49,490 in Colorado, and $48,750 in New York. The same table lists $41,240 for Texas and $42,590 for Georgia, showing how national averages can conceal substantial regional differences. 2

U.S. News identifies Alaska at $57,630, Washington at $55,050, the District of Columbia at $52,880, California at $52,770, and Oregon at $51,120 among the highest-paying states. Its city figures include $66,280 in Vallejo, California, $63,520 in San Jose, $62,560 in San Francisco, $61,760 in Santa Rosa, and $61,380 in Sacramento. High nominal pay may coincide with higher living costs, so salary alone does not measure purchasing power. 1

Work setting, certification, and specialization

Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical duties, including scheduling, taking vital signs, preparing patients, and assisting with procedures. Compensation can therefore vary by the responsibilities attached to a position. Research summaries indicate that outpatient care centers may pay more than physicians’ offices, while specialized practices such as dermatology, orthopedics, or surgery centers may have different wage patterns from general family practices. 4 10

Certification is another factor associated with pay and hiring prospects. The supplied research identifies credentials such as the CMA, RMA, and CCMA as relevant to medical assistant employment and reports that certification may be associated with higher starting salaries. However, certification does not establish a single national wage premium, and requirements differ by employer, state, clinical duties, and specialty. Comparisons should distinguish certified roles from positions that do not specify a credential. 6 10

How to interpret salary data responsibly

Salary statistics are estimates, not guarantees or formal wage determinations. BLS-based figures provide a standardized national reference, while Indeed reflects job-posting data and other sites may combine surveys, occupational estimates, or modeled city comparisons. A reported annual salary also may assume full-time work, whereas actual earnings can change with schedule, overtime, unpaid leave, temporary employment, or part-time hours. 1 3

Employment conditions also include practical considerations beyond headline pay. Medical assistants may work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient centers, or specialty practices, and the clinical and administrative mix can affect workload and credential expectations. The occupation is projected in the supplied research to grow 14 percent from 2022 to 2032, but growth does not eliminate regional competition, qualification requirements, or differences in benefits. A careful comparison should therefore examine the stated wage basis, location, schedule, duties, credentials, and benefits together. 9 10

Sources

1. U.S. News Careers, Medical Assistant Salary in 2026
2. Rippling, Medical Assistant Salary in the United States
3. Indeed, Medical Assistant Salary in the United States
4. SoFi, How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make a Year?
5. Stepful, Average Medical Assistant Salary in the United States
6. Credenza, 2025-26 Medical Assistant Salary Facts and Figures
7. SalaryMetro, Average Medical Assistant Salary
8. All Allied Health Schools, Medical Assistant Salary Guide
9. SalaryByState, Medical Assistant Salary
10. Kalkfy, Medical Assistant Salary Calculator