Medical Assistant.
Portland.
$40,000
median salary, 5% above the national average
$34,000 to $49,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Portland is 10% more expensive than the national average. For Medical Assistants, that shakes out to a median of $40,000, with the full range spanning $34,000 to $49,000. Certification status is the largest pay differentiator, with CMA and RMA credentials adding 10 to 15% over uncertified MAs. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $36,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$26,000
to $32,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$34,000
to $42,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$44,000
to $52,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$50,000
to $62,000
Salary trend
+3% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $8,000 to the total package.
Base
$40,000
Equity
$4,000
Bonus
$3,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $48,000
How Portland compares
Portland, OR
$40,000
Cost of living: 10% above average
National Average
$38,000
Portland is $2,000 above
Medical Assistant salary by city
Salary by role in Portland
What you should know
The Medical Assistant landscape in Portland is not what most salary sites will tell you. Portland's tech scene is anchored by Intel's semiconductor campus and a strong cluster of sportswear and creative companies including Nike and Adidas. The city attracts professionals who value work life balance and sustainability. Salaries are moderate compared to Seattle, but the lower cost of living makes Portland a solid value proposition. Certification status is the largest pay differentiator, with CMA and RMA credentials adding 10 to 15% over uncertified MAs. Specialty practices like dermatology, orthopedics, and cardiology pay more than general primary care. Urban areas and hospital-owned practices consistently offer higher wages than rural independent clinics.
Entry-level MAs start at $30,000 to $34,000 without certification. Certified MAs with three to five years of experience earn $38,000 to $44,000. Lead MAs or clinical supervisors overseeing support staff can reach $46,000 to $55,000 in larger practices or health systems. In Portland, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Medical assistants typically receive health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan access. Some employers offer tuition assistance for nursing or allied health programs, which adds long-term value beyond the base salary. And on the tax side: oregon has no sales tax, but state income tax rates climb to 9.9%. Portland adds a local arts tax and metro supportive housing tax. Factor these into your net pay calculations. When someone quotes you $40,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight your willingness to work hybrid in Portland's tech campuses. Intel, Nike, and other major employers reward in person collaboration with higher compensation bands. The range for Medical Assistants in Portland runs from $34,000 to $49,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Early Childhood Educator in Portland earns $39,000 (2% less)
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Common questions.
Medical Assistant salary in other cities
Other salaries in Portland
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