How Much Do Medical Assistants Make?
Obtaining an online medical assistant certification is an excellent way for pre-health students to gain valuable hands-on patient care experience. Having this certification under your belt is instrumental in setting yourself apart from thousands of other applicants when you apply for medical or PA school or your first medical assisting job.
There’s another practical reason to become a certified medical assistant. These jobs pay a good hourly rate, offer flexible hours, and are an ideal way for students to save money for post-graduate medical programs while working their way through an undergraduate education. So, how much does a certified medical assistant make? Read on to find out.
What Is a Medical Assistant?
Medical assistants are versatile healthcare professionals who support both the clinical and administrative sides of a medical practice. Unlike roles that focus exclusively on direct patient care, medical assistants split their time between providing hands-on patient care and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a facility running smoothly. This blend of responsibilities makes them essential members of outpatient clinics, physician offices, urgent care centers, and specialty practices.
On the clinical side, medical assistants are frequently responsible for:
- Preparing exam rooms
- Recording vital signs
- Collecting lab specimens
- Assisting physicians with basic procedures
- Explaining treatment instructions to patients
Their administrative duties can include:
- Greeting patients as they enter the office
- Managing phone and email communications
- Updating health records
- Scheduling appointments
- Handling insurance paperwork
- Coordinating with pharmacies and insurers
- Stocking and sanitizing exam rooms
Because the role is so dynamic, medical assistants need to have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
How Much Do Medical Assistants Make?
Many factors affect how much medical assistants make, including location, employer, and how much experience you bring to the table. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for all medical assistants is $44,200.
Deciding where you want to work shouldn’t solely be based on salary, but it should be a consideration. Also, consider what type of environment you’d like to work in and what kinds of patients and clients you’d prefer to interact with.
Medical Assistant Salary By State
Wondering what medical assistants make close to home (or somewhere you’re considering moving to)? Check out the table below to see what the average medical assistant salary is in each state.
| State | Average Medical Assistant Salary* |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,341 |
| Alaska | $54,665 |
| Arizona | $47,014 |
| Arkansas | $40,892 |
| California | $54,959 |
| Colorado | $51,446 |
| Connecticut | $50,855 |
| Delaware | $45,805 |
| Florida | $43,920 |
| Georgia | $43,255 |
| Hawaii | $55,034 |
| Idaho | $46,213 |
| Illinois | $47,509 |
| Indiana | $46,078 |
| Iowa | $48,854 |
| Kansas | $45,073 |
| Kentucky | $42,635 |
| Louisiana | $38,060 |
| Maine | $54,016 |
| Maryland | $46,873 |
| Massachusetts | $57,391 |
| Michigan | $43,351 |
| Minnesota | $58,195 |
| Mississippi | $36,818 |
| Missouri | $45,819 |
| Montana | $49,488 |
| Nebraska | $49,313 |
| Nevada | $46,006 |
| New Hampshire | $54,248 |
| New Jersey | $47,766 |
| New Mexico | $44,363 |
| New York | $49,630 |
| North Carolina | $43,642 |
| North Dakota | $48,122 |
| Ohio | $44,781 |
| Oklahoma | $41,993 |
| Oregon | $54,866 |
| Pennsylvania | $45,648 |
| Rhode Island | $51,342 |
| South Carolina | $44,105 |
| South Dakota | $52,946 |
| Tennessee | $43,297 |
| Texas | $41,050 |
| Utah | $43,109 |
| Vermont | $53,855 |
| Virginia | $47,730 |
| Washington | $62,203 |
| West Virginia | $38,257 |
| Wisconsin | $52,478 |
| Wyoming | $45,205 |
*Please note: Salaries are sourced from indeed.com and are accurate as of November 2025. Amounts are subject to change over time.
Factors That Influence How Much Medical Assistants Make
Just like any other healthcare role, medical assistant salaries aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several variables can impact what you earn — some within your control, and others tied to the job market or your location. Here are the factors that have the biggest influence on what you’ll earn as a medical assistant:
Experience
The more time you spend in the field, the more you can expect your pay to grow. Entry-level medical assistants often start on the lower end of the pay scale, but wages typically increase as you build confidence, expand your skill set, and take on more responsibilities.
Work Setting
Where you work can make a noticeable difference in your pay. The BLS estimates that outpatient facilities pay the highest average wages ($47,560 per year) and offices of health practitioners other than physicians pay the least ($37,510 per year).
Rounding out the middle are physicians’ offices, at $43,880, and hospitals, at $45,930.
Shift Type
Working nights, weekends, or holidays can sometimes boost your pay. Full-time roles generally offer the most stability and benefits, while part-time work comes with more flexibility but slightly lower earning potential.
Geographic Region
Location is a major determining factor of salary. States and cities with higher costs of living tend to offer higher wages. Meanwhile, pay in lower-cost areas may be lower overall, even though the same job duties are expected.
How Certification Impacts Medical Assistant Salary
In some cases, becoming a certified medical assistant (CCMA) can have a meaningful impact on your earning potential. While the exact differences in pay will vary from employer to employer, CCMAs typically earn more than non-certified medical assistants.
Certification demonstrates that you’ve mastered core competencies, understand best practices, and are prepared to step into a clinical role with minimal on-the-job training. Because of this, CCMAs often qualify for better-paying positions and may be considered first for raises, specialty roles, or supervisory duties as they gain experience.
Save Time & Money With ACT’s Online CCMA Certification Course
Becoming a certified medical assistant is an investment in your future. Plus, for pre-health students, it can also help you earn money as you work toward your dream medical career. At Advanced eClinical Training (ACT), we make it simple for students to earn their certification online, from the comfort of home in as little as 8–12 weeks (and at a fraction of the cost of other programs). Enroll today to start working toward your dream career.
FAQs
How much do medical assistants make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants make an average yearly salary of $44,200. The amount you’ll make in the role will depend on several factors, including experience level, location, and employer.
Do certified medical assistants earn more than non-certified medical assistants?
On average, yes. In most settings, CCMAs earn more than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, certification often translates to higher starting wages, better long-term earning potential, and access to a wider range of job opportunities.
What’s the highest-paying state for medical assistants?
Washington, Minnesota, and Massachusetts top the list of states with the highest medical assistant salaries. Keep in mind that the cost of living in these states is also on the higher end, so it’s important to consider both earnings and expenses when comparing opportunities.
