Medical Assistant Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$38,000
national median salary
$32,000 to $46,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$53,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$39,000
New York, NY
Lowest Paying
$34,000
Kansas City, MO
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Medical Assistant salary in the United States is $38,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $32,000 at the 25th percentile to $46,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $53,000, while New York offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Certification status is the largest pay differentiator, with CMA and RMA credentials adding 10 to 15% over uncertified MAs.
Medical Assistant salary by city
What you should know
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.
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.