Medical Assistant Salary in the United States
Based on 818K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$44,603
$21.44/hr
Salary Range
$37K – $55K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
818K
workers nationwide
The median Medical Assistant salary in the United States is $44,603 annually, which averages out to about $21 per hour. This vital role supports physicians and other healthcare professionals in clinical and administrative tasks, with a significant number of professionals, over 817,850, currently employed in this field across the country.
Several factors can influence your earning potential as a Medical Assistant. These include your years of experience, the specific geographic location where you work (with states like Washington offering higher pay), the size and type of healthcare facility, and any additional certifications you may hold. The salary range for Medical Assistants typically falls between $36,708 and $54,901.
Salary Distribution — Medical Assistant
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,708 |
| 25th percentile | $40,381 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $44,603 |
| 75th percentile | $49,418 |
| 90th percentile | $54,901 |
Medical Assistant Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Medical Assistant
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $59,290 | +32.9% | 20K |
| 2 | Alaska | $52,560 | +17.8% | 2K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $51,050 | +14.5% | 2K |
| 4 | Minnesota | $50,480 | +13.2% | 11K |
| 5 | Oregon | $50,410 | +13.0% | 12K |
| 6 | California | $49,660 | +11.3% | 117K |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $49,460 | +10.9% | 15K |
| 8 | Wisconsin | $48,680 | +9.1% | 14K |
| 9 | Hawaii | $48,410 | +8.5% | 4K |
| 10 | Colorado | $48,400 | +8.5% | 13K |
Medical Assistant Salary by Industry
How much Medical Assistants earn across industries nationwide — Wholesale Trade pays the most ($48,870 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wholesale Trade | $48,870 | +9.6% | 260 |
| 2 | Educational Services | $48,660 | +9.1% | 10K |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $48,120 | +7.9% | 7K |
| 4 | Finance and Insurance | $48,090 | +7.8% | 530 |
| 5 | Information | $46,400 | +4.0% | — |
| 6 | Administrative and Support Services | $46,300 | +3.8% | 15K |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $46,200 | +3.6% | 4K |
| 8 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $45,920 | +3.0% | 5K |
| 9 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $45,620 | +2.3% | 774K |
| 10 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $44,150 | -1.0% | 1K |
| 11 | Manufacturing | $43,880 | -1.6% | 220 |
| 12 | Retail Trade | $42,980 | -3.6% | 1K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Assistant
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $44,603 |
| 2026 (projected) | $45,941 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $40,381 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $44,603 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $49,418 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $54,901 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Medical Assistant in the US?
- The median salary for a Medical Assistant in the United States is $44,603 per year, equating to approximately $21 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for the profession.
What is the salary range for Medical Assistants?
- Medical Assistants in the US can expect to earn within a range of $36,708 to $54,901 annually. This spread reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
Which state pays Medical Assistants the most?
- Washington is currently the top-paying state for Medical Assistants, with an average salary of $59,290 per year. This figure is considerably higher than the national median of $44,603.
How many Medical Assistants are employed in the United States?
- There are a substantial 817,850 Medical Assistants employed across the United States. This indicates a strong and consistent demand for these healthcare professionals.