Medical assistant salary in the USA is an important search for people who want to enter healthcare without spending many years in college. In 2025, the median medical assistant salary was about $45,690 per year, or $21.97 per hour, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Medical assistants can work in doctors offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers and other healthcare facilities, and the actual salary can change a lot depending on state, experience, workplace and certification. Some medical assistants earn below $36,050 while the highest-paid 10 percent earn more than $59,310 per year. In this guide, we look at medical assistant salary in the USA, medical assistant salary per hour, monthly pay, medical assistant salary by state, starting salary, experience, industry and the states where medical assistants can earn more.
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What Is the Average Medical Assistant Salary in the USA?
The average medical assistant salary can look different depending on which salary number is used. For this article, the main number is the median wage because it gives a better idea of what a typical medical assistant earns. The 2025 median annual wage for medical assistants was $45,690, which comes to around $21.97 per hour for a full-time worker.
Medical assistant pay is not the same everywhere in the United States. A person working in California, Washington, Oregon or Massachusetts may see a higher salary than someone doing the same job in a lower-paying state. But cost of living is also different, so a higher salary does not always mean a better financial situation.
Medical assistants usually perform a mix of administrative and clinical duties. Their work can include scheduling patients, maintaining records, checking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations and helping physicians with routine clinical tasks.
- Median medical assistant salary: $45,690 per year
- Median medical assistant hourly pay: $21.97 per hour
- Lowest 10 percent: Less than $36,050 per year
- Highest 10 percent: More than $59,310 per year
- 2025 medical assistant employment: about 817,870 in OEWS data
- Projected employment growth: 13% from 2025 to 2035
Medical Assistant Salary by State
Medical assistant salary by state can be quite different across the country. Location is one of the biggest factors that affects pay. States with higher wages may also have higher living expenses, while states with lower medical assistant salaries can sometimes have lower housing and daily costs.
The table below shows the 2025 median annual salary for medical assistants in all 50 states. These figures are useful when comparing where medical assistants make more money in the USA.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $36,100 |
| Alaska | $52,560 |
| Arizona | $45,940 |
| Arkansas | $37,760 |
| California | $49,660 |
| Colorado | $48,400 |
| Connecticut | $47,430 |
| Delaware | $44,490 |
| Florida | $43,680 |
| Georgia | $41,600 |
| Hawaii | $48,410 |
| Idaho | $44,700 |
| Illinois | $46,090 |
| Indiana | $45,110 |
| Iowa | $45,480 |
| Kansas | $39,510 |
| Kentucky | $39,270 |
| Louisiana | $36,320 |
| Maine | $47,580 |
| Maryland | $46,410 |
| Massachusetts | $49,460 |
| Michigan | $39,870 |
| Minnesota | $50,480 |
| Mississippi | $35,360 |
| Missouri | $40,440 |
| Montana | $46,820 |
| Nebraska | $47,370 |
| Nevada | $45,200 |
| New Hampshire | $48,020 |
| New Jersey | $47,210 |
| New Mexico | $39,230 |
| New York | $48,000 |
| North Carolina | $45,140 |
| North Dakota | $45,980 |
| Ohio | $42,810 |
| Oklahoma | $38,750 |
| Oregon | $50,410 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,920 |
| Rhode Island | $47,190 |
| South Carolina | $41,160 |
| South Dakota | $41,870 |
| Tennessee | $39,570 |
| Texas | $39,520 |
| Utah | $45,360 |
| Vermont | $47,250 |
| Virginia | $44,740 |
| Washington | $59,290 |
| West Virginia | $37,180 |
| Wisconsin | $48,680 |
| Wyoming | $40,920 |
Medical Assistant Salary Per Hour
Medical assistant salary per hour was $21.97 at the national median in 2025. For a full-time schedule of around 40 hours per week, this hourly pay can translate into a yearly salary close to $45,690 before taxes and other deductions.
Hourly medical assistant pay is useful for people comparing job offers. Two jobs may show different annual salaries because of working hours, overtime, shift schedules or part-time work. So it is always better to check both hourly wage and yearly salary before accepting a job.
- National median hourly pay: about $21.97
- Lower-paid workers can earn below about $17.33 per hour
- Higher-paid workers can earn above about $28.52 per hour
- Overtime, location and experience can increase actual earnings
Medical Assistant Salary Per Month
People also search for medical assistant salary per month because monthly income is easier to understand for household budgeting. Using the national median annual salary of $45,690, the simple monthly equivalent is about $3,808 before taxes.
This is not necessarily the exact amount a medical assistant receives in every monthly paycheck. Employers can pay weekly, biweekly or twice a month, and taxes, insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions can reduce take-home pay.
- Annual median salary: $45,690
- Approximate monthly gross salary: $3,808
- Approximate weekly gross salary: $879
- Approximate hourly median: $21.97
How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make?
So, how much does a medical assistant make? A typical medical assistant in the United States earns around $45,690 per year at the median. But there is a fairly wide salary range. New workers may start closer to the lower end, while experienced medical assistants working in better-paying states or healthcare settings can move toward the higher end.
The job is also different from state to state. For example, the 2025 median salary was $36,100 in Alabama, while it was $59,290 in Washington. This shows why looking only at the national medical assistant salary can sometimes give an incomplete picture.
Medical Assistant Starting Salary
Medical assistant starting salary is usually lower than the salary of an experienced worker. New medical assistants may need time to become comfortable with patient care, medical records, scheduling systems, clinical procedures and other daily responsibilities.
Starting pay can also depend on whether the person has completed a medical assistant program or has a professional certification. Some employers may pay more for candidates who already have useful healthcare training and can handle the job with less supervision.
What Can Affect a Medical Assistant Starting Salary?
- Location of the job
- Education and medical assistant training
- Certification
- Previous healthcare experience
- Type of medical facility
- Specialized clinical skills
- Demand for medical assistants in the local area
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience
Experience can make a difference in medical assistant salary, although there is no single fixed salary increase that every worker receives. A new medical assistant may begin with an entry-level wage, while someone with several years of experience can qualify for better positions and sometimes take on more responsibilities.
Experienced medical assistants may become responsible for more complex clinical or administrative work. They may also train new employees, handle specialized procedures or move into other healthcare support positions.
For this reason, medical assistants who want higher pay should not only look at yearly raises. Building useful skills, gaining experience and choosing a better-paying healthcare market can also have a strong effect on long-term income.
Medical Assistant Salary in Hospitals
Hospitals are one of the common workplaces for medical assistants, but they are not the only option. Medical assistants also work in physician offices, outpatient care centers and other healthcare facilities.
According to BLS data, median wages can vary by industry. In May 2025, medical assistants working in outpatient care centers had a median annual wage of $48,560, compared with $46,910 in hospitals and $45,520 in offices of physicians.
This means a medical assistant should compare the full job offer rather than assuming every healthcare employer pays the same. Benefits, schedule, overtime opportunities and location can also make a difference in the actual value of a job.
Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook
Medical assistant jobs have a strong projected growth rate compared with many other occupations. The BLS projects employment of medical assistants to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035. Around 109,700 openings are projected each year on average during that period.
This growth is one reason medical assisting remains an interesting healthcare career for people who want to enter the medical field without becoming a nurse or physician. Many of the openings are also expected because workers leave the occupation, retire or move into another career.
- Projected growth from 2025–2035: 13%
- Projected average annual openings: about 109,700
- Healthcare remains the main employment area
- Medical assistants can work in both clinical and administrative roles
Medical Assistant Salary in Alabama
Medical assistant salary in Alabama is generally below the national median. The 2025 median annual salary for medical assistants in Alabama was around $36,100. This can be a useful starting point for people looking for healthcare jobs in the state, especially in doctors offices, clinics and other outpatient settings.
The lower salary does not always mean the job is less attractive. Alabama has a lower cost of living than many high-paying states, so medical assistants should compare salary with housing, transportation and other daily expenses before deciding where to work.
- Medical assistant salary in Alabama: about $36,100
- Entry-level workers may earn less than the state median
- Experience and certification can help improve pay
- Major healthcare markets may offer more job opportunities
Medical Assistant Salary in Alaska
Medical assistant salary in Alaska is much higher than the national median in many cases. The 2025 median annual wage was about $52,560. Alaska is one of the states where medical assistants can find relatively strong pay, although living costs can also be high in many areas.
Healthcare workers are needed across Alaska, including areas outside the largest population centers. A medical assistant considering Alaska should look at the complete compensation package because benefits, travel requirements and location can have a big effect on the overall value of the job.
Medical Assistant Salary in Arizona
Medical assistant salary in Arizona was around $45,940 at the 2025 median. This is close to the national median salary. Arizona has a large healthcare industry and cities such as Phoenix and Tucson provide many opportunities for medical assistants.
Medical assistants in Arizona may work in physician offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals and specialty healthcare practices. Workers with good patient communication skills and clinical experience can have better opportunities when applying for jobs.
- State median salary: about $45,940
- Large healthcare markets include Phoenix and Tucson
- Certification may improve employment opportunities
- Specialty medical offices can have different pay levels
Medical Assistant Salary in Arkansas
Medical assistant salary in Arkansas was around $37,760 in 2025. This is lower than the national median, but the actual value of the salary depends on where the medical assistant lives and works. Smaller communities may have different wage levels compared with larger healthcare markets.
Arkansas medical assistants can work in doctors offices, clinics and hospitals. As workers gain experience, they may qualify for positions with more responsibilities and potentially higher pay.
Medical Assistant Salary in California
Medical assistant salary in California is one of the more interesting state salary searches because California has a large healthcare workforce and generally higher wages. The 2025 median annual salary was about $49,660.
California also has a high cost of living, especially in some of its biggest cities. This means a medical assistant earning close to $50,000 may not have the same purchasing power as someone earning a similar amount in a lower-cost state.
Medical assistant jobs are available across California in physician offices, hospitals, outpatient facilities and specialty clinics. Experience, certification and the local labor market can all affect the final salary.
- Medical assistant salary California: about $49,660 median
- Large healthcare markets provide many job opportunities
- Higher wages may come with higher living costs
- Experienced medical assistants can qualify for better-paying positions
Medical Assistant Salary in Colorado
Medical assistant salary in Colorado was approximately $48,400 in 2025. This is above the national median. Colorado has a growing healthcare sector, and medical assistants can find jobs in physician practices, clinics and other healthcare facilities.
Workers in larger cities may see different wages from those in smaller communities. Medical assistants should compare the salary with rent and other living expenses before deciding whether a job offer is financially strong.
Medical Assistant Salary in Connecticut
Medical assistant salary in Connecticut was around $47,430 in 2025. The state offers healthcare employment in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient care centers. Medical assistants with experience may have more options when looking for better-paying positions.
Connecticut is also close to several major healthcare markets in the Northeast. This can give experienced workers more choices when changing employers or looking for a specialized medical office position.
Medical Assistant Salary in Delaware
Medical assistant salary in Delaware was about $44,490 at the 2025 median. Delaware is a smaller state, but its location in the Northeast gives workers access to healthcare markets in nearby states as well.
Medical assistants in Delaware can work in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient healthcare facilities. A worker with certification and practical clinical experience may be in a stronger position when negotiating for a new job.
Medical Assistant Salary in Florida
Medical assistant salary in Florida was approximately $43,680 in 2025. Florida has a large healthcare sector because of its large and growing population, including a significant older population that uses healthcare services regularly.
Medical assistant jobs are available in doctors offices, clinics, hospitals and outpatient facilities across the state. Cities with larger healthcare systems can provide more job choices, although salaries can vary between employers.
For people searching medical assistant salary Florida, it is important to remember that the state median is only a general benchmark. A job in Miami, Orlando, Tampa or another major market may have a different salary depending on employer and experience.
Medical Assistant Salary in Georgia
Medical assistant salary in Georgia was around $41,600 in 2025. Georgia provides healthcare jobs in both large cities and smaller communities. Atlanta is one of the biggest healthcare employment markets in the state.
A medical assistant starting a career in Georgia may earn below the state median, while experienced workers can move closer to or above the median. Certification, healthcare experience and the type of medical office can all affect pay.
- Georgia median salary: about $41,600
- Atlanta provides a large healthcare job market
- Starting salaries can be lower than the median
- Experience can improve long-term earning potential
Medical Assistant Salary in Hawaii
Medical assistant salary in Hawaii was about $48,410 in 2025. The wage is higher than the national median, but Hawaii also has one of the higher costs of living in the country.
Medical assistants working in Hawaii should therefore look at salary together with housing and other expenses. Healthcare workers may find opportunities in hospitals, physician offices and outpatient facilities, particularly around larger population centers.
Medical Assistant Salary in Idaho
Medical assistant salary in Idaho was around $44,700 in 2025. Idaho has seen population growth in recent years, which can support demand for healthcare services in growing communities.
Medical assistants may work in physician offices, clinics and other healthcare organizations. As the worker gains more experience, certification and practical skills can help with finding better opportunities.
Medical Assistant Salary in Illinois
Medical assistant salary in Illinois was approximately $46,090 in 2025. Illinois has a large healthcare employment market, especially around the Chicago metropolitan area. Medical assistants can find positions in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient centers.
The salary can be different between metropolitan and smaller areas. A medical assistant should therefore compare individual job offers instead of relying only on the statewide number.
Medical Assistant Salary in Indiana
Medical assistant salary in Indiana was around $45,110 in 2025. This puts the state close to the national median. Indiana has healthcare employers across both urban and rural communities.
Medical assistants who develop strong clinical and administrative skills can have more options as they gain experience. Certification can also be useful when applying for employers that prefer credentialed candidates.
Medical Assistant Salary in Iowa
Medical assistant salary in Iowa was about $45,480 in 2025. The state median is very close to the national figure, making Iowa a fairly typical market for this occupation.
Medical assistants can work in doctors offices, hospitals and outpatient care settings. Workers in smaller towns may have fewer employers to choose from, while larger healthcare systems can provide more career options.
Medical Assistant Salary in Kansas
Medical assistant salary in Kansas was around $39,510 in 2025. Although this is below the national median, the cost of living in Kansas is generally lower than in some of the highest-cost states.
Medical assistants should consider both salary and living expenses when comparing Kansas with another state. Experience, certification and employer type can also create differences in individual pay.
Medical Assistant Salary in Kentucky
Medical assistant salary in Kentucky was approximately $39,270 in 2025. Medical assistants in the state can find employment in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient healthcare settings.
For new workers, the first job may be mainly about building practical experience. After gaining experience with patient care, medical records and office procedures, workers can look for positions offering higher compensation.
Medical Assistant Salary in Louisiana
Medical assistant salary in Louisiana was around $36,320 in 2025. The state is among the lower-paying markets for this occupation based on the median wage.
Even with a lower state median, individual medical assistants can earn more depending on experience, certification and employer. Healthcare demand in larger cities can also create more opportunities for workers who are willing to compare different employers.
Medical Assistant Salary in Maine
Medical assistant salary in Maine was about $47,580 in 2025. This is above the national median. Maine has healthcare employers in both larger communities and rural areas.
The job can involve both clinical and administrative duties. A medical assistant may take vital signs, update medical records, prepare patients for examinations and schedule appointments depending on the employer.
Medical Assistant Salary in Maryland
Medical assistant salary in Maryland was around $46,410 in 2025. Maryland has a large healthcare sector and its location near Washington, D.C., and other major population centers provides access to many healthcare employers.
Medical assistants with experience and strong computer and patient-care skills may have better opportunities. Salaries can vary considerably between employers and local areas.
Medical Assistant Salary in Massachusetts
Medical assistant salary in Massachusetts was approximately $49,460 in 2025. The state has a large healthcare and medical research industry, which creates many healthcare employment opportunities.
Boston and surrounding communities have many medical facilities, although the cost of living is also high. A higher medical assistant salary should therefore be considered together with housing and transportation costs.
- Median salary: about $49,460
- Large healthcare employment market
- Strong medical industry in the Boston area
- Higher living costs can reduce the benefit of higher wages
Medical Assistant Salary in Michigan
Medical assistant salary in Michigan was around $39,870 in 2025. Medical assistants work across the state in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities.
Detroit and other larger cities can offer more healthcare employers, while smaller communities may have fewer job openings. Experience and certification can help workers compete for better positions.
Medical Assistant Salary in Minnesota
Medical assistant salary in Minnesota was approximately $50,480 in 2025. This makes Minnesota one of the stronger-paying states for medical assistants based on the median salary.
The state has a well-developed healthcare sector and large healthcare employers. Medical assistants who build experience in clinical care, electronic medical records and patient communication may have good opportunities for career growth.
Medical Assistant Salary in Mississippi
Medical assistant salary in Mississippi was around $35,360 in 2025. This is below the national median, but salary alone does not show the complete financial picture for workers living in the state.
Medical assistants can improve their career options by gaining experience and completing relevant education or certification. Jobs can be found in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient healthcare organizations.
Medical Assistant Salary in Missouri
Medical assistant salary in Missouri was approximately $40,440 in 2025. Missouri has healthcare employment opportunities in cities such as St. Louis, Kansas City and other regional communities.
Medical assistants should compare employers carefully because wages can differ based on location, facility type and experience. A position with better benefits may also be more valuable even when its advertised salary is similar.
Medical Assistant Salary in Montana
Medical assistant salary in Montana was around $46,820 in 2025. Montana has a smaller population than many states, but healthcare workers are still needed in both cities and rural communities.
For someone who likes working in a smaller community, medical assisting can provide an entry point into healthcare. The number of employers may be smaller, so job availability can depend strongly on the local area.
Medical Assistant Salary in Nebraska
Medical assistant salary in Nebraska was approximately $47,370 in 2025. The state's median salary is above the national medical assistant median.
Nebraska has healthcare employers across metropolitan and rural areas. Medical assistants can work with physicians, hospitals and outpatient providers, and experience can help them move into more responsible roles.
Medical Assistant Salary in Nevada
Medical assistant salary in Nevada was around $45,200 in 2025. Nevada has growing healthcare needs in areas such as Las Vegas and Reno, which can create employment opportunities for medical assistants.
People searching for medical assistant jobs in Nevada should compare the actual salary with the local cost of housing and transportation. The same annual salary can feel very different depending on where a person lives.
Medical Assistant Salary in New Hampshire
Medical assistant salary in New Hampshire was about $48,020 in 2025. This is above the national median and makes the state an attractive option for some healthcare support workers.
New Hampshire's healthcare market includes physician offices, hospitals and other medical facilities. Workers with experience and certification may have an advantage when applying for competitive positions.
Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey
Medical assistant salary in New Jersey was approximately $47,210 in 2025. New Jersey has a large healthcare sector and is part of the wider Northeast healthcare market.
Medical assistants may find jobs in physician practices, hospitals and outpatient care centers. Because living costs can be high in parts of the state, salary comparison should always include local expenses and benefits.
Medical Assistant Salary in New Mexico
Medical assistant salary in New Mexico was around $39,230 in 2025. The state median is below the national medical assistant salary, but healthcare remains an important source of employment across the state.
Medical assistants can work in physician offices, clinics, hospitals and outpatient healthcare facilities. For people starting this career, gaining hands-on experience and learning electronic health record systems can help when applying for better positions later.
Medical Assistant Salary in New York
Medical assistant salary in New York was approximately $48,000 at the 2025 median. New York has a large healthcare industry, with many hospitals, physician practices and outpatient facilities.
People searching for medical assistant salary New York should remember that salary can be very different between New York City and other parts of the state. New York City may offer more healthcare jobs, but housing and other living costs are also much higher.
- New York median medical assistant salary: about $48,000
- Large number of healthcare employers
- New York City has a major healthcare job market
- Local cost of living should be considered with salary
Medical Assistant Salary in North Carolina
Medical assistant salary in North Carolina was around $45,140 in 2025. The state has a growing healthcare sector and several major medical employment centers.
Medical assistants may work in hospitals, doctors offices, outpatient centers and specialty practices. Experience with patient care, scheduling and electronic records can make a candidate more useful to employers.
Medical Assistant Salary in North Dakota
Medical assistant salary in North Dakota was approximately $45,980 in 2025. The state's median wage is slightly above the national medical assistant salary.
Healthcare workers are needed in both larger communities and rural areas. A medical assistant who is willing to work outside the biggest cities may find opportunities that are not available in more crowded healthcare markets.
Medical Assistant Salary in Ohio
Medical assistant salary in Ohio was about $42,810 in 2025. Ohio has a large healthcare workforce and many medical facilities spread across major cities and smaller communities.
Medical assistants can find employment with physician practices, hospitals and outpatient providers. Salary can increase with experience, although the exact increase depends on the employer and job responsibilities.
Medical Assistant Salary in Oklahoma
Medical assistant salary in Oklahoma was around $38,750 in 2025. This is below the national median, but Oklahoma can have lower living costs than many high-cost states.
People starting a medical assistant career in Oklahoma may want to focus first on gaining real workplace experience. After that, moving to a larger medical employer or a specialized practice can sometimes provide better earning opportunities.
Medical Assistant Salary in Oregon
Medical assistant salary in Oregon was approximately $50,410 in 2025. This places Oregon among the higher-paying states for medical assistants.
Oregon has healthcare employment opportunities in Portland and other communities. A higher salary can be attractive, but medical assistants should also compare housing and other expenses because costs can vary significantly within the state.
Medical Assistant Salary in Pennsylvania
Medical assistant salary in Pennsylvania was around $43,920 in 2025. Pennsylvania has a broad healthcare market with hospitals, physician offices, outpatient centers and specialty clinics.
Medical assistants can find opportunities in both large cities and smaller communities. Certification and experience may help candidates qualify for positions with more responsibilities.
Medical Assistant Salary in Rhode Island
Medical assistant salary in Rhode Island was about $47,190 in 2025. Although Rhode Island is one of the smallest states, it has access to a strong healthcare market in the Northeast.
Medical assistants can work in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient facilities. Because the state is close to Massachusetts and Connecticut, workers may also consider the wider regional healthcare job market.
Medical Assistant Salary in South Carolina
Medical assistant salary in South Carolina was approximately $41,160 in 2025. Healthcare is an important industry in the state, and medical assistants can find jobs in hospitals, clinics and physician practices.
Growing communities can create additional demand for healthcare support workers. Medical assistants who build strong patient-care and administrative skills can improve their chances of finding better employment.
Medical Assistant Salary in South Dakota
Medical assistant salary in South Dakota was around $41,870 in 2025. The state has a smaller healthcare workforce compared with large states, but medical assistants are still needed in communities across the state.
Rural healthcare can offer opportunities for people who are comfortable working in smaller communities. Job availability and salary can depend heavily on the specific location and employer.
Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee
Medical assistant salary in Tennessee was approximately $39,570 in 2025. Tennessee has several large healthcare markets and a significant number of hospitals and medical practices.
Nashville is particularly known for its healthcare industry, which gives medical assistants access to many different types of employers. However, salaries can differ from one employer to another, so comparing several job offers can be useful.
Medical Assistant Salary in Texas
Medical assistant salary in Texas was around $39,520 in 2025. Texas has one of the largest healthcare job markets in the country because of its large population and many healthcare facilities.
People searching for medical assistant salary Texas should understand that the statewide median does not tell the complete story. Salaries in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and smaller communities can be different.
- Texas median salary: about $39,520
- Large healthcare employment market
- Major cities provide many job opportunities
- Salary can vary by metropolitan area and employer
Medical Assistant Salary in Utah
Medical assistant salary in Utah was approximately $45,360 in 2025. Utah has experienced population growth in several areas, which can increase demand for healthcare services.
Medical assistants may work in physician offices, hospitals and outpatient centers. Workers with experience in electronic health records and clinical procedures can have useful skills for many employers.
Medical Assistant Salary in Vermont
Medical assistant salary in Vermont was around $47,250 in 2025. The state median is above the national median for this occupation.
Vermont has a smaller population and healthcare job market, but medical assistants are needed in hospitals, physician offices and community healthcare settings. Workers may need to consider a wider geographic area when searching for jobs.
Medical Assistant Salary in Virginia
Medical assistant salary in Virginia was approximately $44,740 in 2025. Virginia has a diverse healthcare market, including major metropolitan areas around Northern Virginia, Richmond and other communities.
The location of the job can have a noticeable effect on salary. Medical assistants should compare the offered pay, benefits, working hours and commuting costs before choosing between employers.
Medical Assistant Salary in Washington
Medical assistant salary in Washington was about $59,290 at the 2025 median, making it the highest state median in the state table used for this article. This is significantly above the national median of $45,690.
Washington can therefore be attractive to medical assistants who are mainly looking for higher wages. But a higher salary should not be viewed alone because living expenses can also be high in parts of the state, especially around major cities.
For anyone searching medical assistant salary Washington, this state is worth watching because its median wage is close to the upper end of the national salary range.
- Washington median salary: about $59,290
- Highest state median in this comparison
- Strong healthcare employment market
- Higher living costs should be considered
Medical Assistant Salary in West Virginia
Medical assistant salary in West Virginia was around $37,180 in 2025. The state median is lower than the national figure, but healthcare jobs remain important across the state.
Medical assistants may work in hospitals, physician offices and smaller community healthcare facilities. Experience and certification can help workers move toward better-paying opportunities.
Medical Assistant Salary in Wisconsin
Medical assistant salary in Wisconsin was approximately $48,680 in 2025. This is above the national median and puts Wisconsin among the better-paying states in the comparison.
Wisconsin has healthcare employers across metropolitan and smaller communities. Medical assistants with strong clinical skills and experience may have more choices when applying for jobs.
Medical Assistant Salary in Wyoming
Medical assistant salary in Wyoming was around $40,920 in 2025. Wyoming has a smaller population, so the total number of medical assistant jobs is lower than in large states.
However, medical assistants are still needed in local hospitals, physician practices and healthcare facilities. People who are comfortable working in smaller communities may find opportunities that fit their career goals.
Highest Paying States for Medical Assistants
The highest paying states for medical assistants can change slightly depending on the year and the wage measure being used. Using the 2025 median annual wage data in this article, Washington stands out with about $59,290 per year.
Other states with relatively high medical assistant salaries include Alaska, Minnesota, Oregon, Wisconsin, California, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Colorado, New Hampshire and Maine.
- Washington: about $59,290
- Alaska: about $52,560
- Minnesota: about $50,480
- Oregon: about $50,410
- California: about $49,660
- Massachusetts: about $49,460
- Hawaii: about $48,410
- Colorado: about $48,400
- New Hampshire: about $48,020
- New York: about $48,000
Lowest Paying States for Medical Assistants
Some states have medical assistant salaries that are considerably below the national median. Mississippi had a 2025 median wage of about $35,360, followed by Alabama at about $36,100 and Louisiana at about $36,320.
A lower salary does not automatically mean that medical assisting is a bad career in that state. Housing, transportation, taxes and other everyday costs can be lower in some areas. The best location depends on both income and the cost of living.
Certified Medical Assistant Salary
Certified medical assistant salary is another common search among people considering this career. Certification can make a candidate more attractive to employers, although certification does not create one fixed national salary.
A certified medical assistant may have better opportunities because some employers prefer or require certification for certain positions. Certification can also show that the worker has completed specific training and understands important medical assisting skills.
- Certification can improve a candidate's job profile
- Some employers prefer certified candidates
- Experience still matters after certification
- Specialized skills can improve career opportunities
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience
Medical assistant salary by experience normally follows a simple pattern: new workers usually earn less, while experienced workers can move toward higher-paying positions. However, experience alone does not guarantee a large salary increase.
The type of work also matters. A medical assistant who becomes comfortable with electronic health records, patient intake, clinical procedures, insurance information and office management may become more valuable to an employer.
Entry-Level Medical Assistant
An entry-level medical assistant is usually focused on learning the daily workflow of a healthcare facility. Starting pay can be below the state or national median because the worker has not yet built much professional experience.
Experienced Medical Assistant
An experienced medical assistant may handle more responsibilities and can have a better chance of moving into higher-paying jobs. Some experienced workers also move into specialized medical practices or supervisory support roles.
Medical Assistant Salary by Work Setting
Medical assistant salary can also change depending on where the person works. A medical assistant in a physician office may have a different salary from someone working in an outpatient care center or hospital.
Work setting can also change the daily routine. Some jobs are more focused on patient care, while others involve more scheduling, records, billing or administrative duties.
- Physician offices
- Hospitals
- Outpatient care centers
- Specialty medical clinics
- Community healthcare facilities
- Other healthcare organizations
Medical Assistant Career Growth
Medical assisting can be a starting point for people who want to build a career in healthcare. The job gives workers experience with patients, healthcare systems, medical terminology and clinical procedures.
Some medical assistants continue their education and move into other healthcare careers. Others stay in medical assisting and increase their income through experience, certification and better job opportunities.
The BLS projects medical assistant employment to grow 13 percent from 2025 to 2035. It also projects about 109,700 openings per year on average during this period. This positive outlook is one reason medical assisting continues to attract people looking for an entry-level healthcare career.
Is Medical Assistant a Good Career?
For many people, medical assisting can be a good career if they want to work in healthcare but do not want to spend many years preparing for a highly advanced medical profession. The training path can be shorter than many other healthcare careers, and medical assistants can work in different healthcare settings.
The salary is not among the highest healthcare salaries, but the career has a positive employment outlook. A person who enjoys working with patients, handling healthcare information and working in a medical environment may find the job a good fit.
- Good entry point into healthcare
- Positive projected employment growth
- Different workplace options
- Opportunities to gain clinical experience
- Potential to continue into other healthcare careers
Medical Assistant Salary: Final Takeaway
Medical assistant salary in the USA was $45,690 per year at the 2025 national median, or about $21.97 per hour. But the actual salary can be much different depending on state, experience, certification, employer and work setting.
Washington had the highest median salary in the state comparison at about $59,290, while Mississippi was among the lowest at about $35,360. This large difference shows why people should check medical assistant salary by state before making a career or relocation decision.
For someone planning to enter healthcare, medical assisting can provide a practical starting point. The projected 13% employment growth from 2025 to 2035 and the large number of expected annual openings also make it a career worth considering for people interested in medical support work.
Salary information in this article is based primarily on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for May 2025, along with BLS occupational outlook information. State and national wages can change as new annual data becomes available.