Salary Outlook
The BLS reports that the median annual wage for a medical assistant was $29,100 in 2011, up slightly from the prior year. The best-paid 10 percent of medical assistants made $40,810, while the bottom 10 percent made approximately $20,880. The highest wages are found working in physicians’ offices or hospitals. By location, the highest-paid positions are clustered in the metropolitan areas near Fairbanks, Alaska, San Francisco, Barnstable Town, Mass., and Napa, Calif.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $25,280.00 |
| 2004 | $25,250.00 |
| 2006 | $27,070.00 |
| 2008 | $29,120.00 |
| 2010 | $29,760.00 |
Average Medical Assistant Pay vs. All Healthcare Jobs
Despite a growing industry and some gains in median pay, medical assistants remain near the bottom of the salary heap compared to other healthcare jobs. Pay is similar to that of paramedics, but lower than massage therapists or clinical laboratory technicians. Medical assistants make more than pharmacy technicians or nursing aides, however.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Clinical Laboratory Technician | $36,950.00 |
| Massage Therapist | $35,830.00 |
| Paramedic | $30,710.00 |
| Medical Assistant | $29,100.00 |
See Complete List of Best Healthcare Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Medical Assistants
The highest paid in the medical assistant profession work in the metropolitan areas of Fairbanks, AK, San Francisco, CA, and Barnstable Town, MA. The Napa, CA area also pays well, as does the city of Vallejo, CA.
Fairbanks, AK
Average Salary: $44,420 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a medical assistant working in Fairbanks, AK is $44,420, which is $15,320 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $41,330 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a medical assistant working in San Francisco, CA is $41,330, which is $12,230 more than the average pay in the profession.
Barnstable Town, MA
Average Salary: $39,070 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a medical assistant working in Barnstable Town, MA is $39,070, which is $9,970 more than the average pay in the profession.
Napa, CA
Average Salary: $38,780 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a medical assistant working in Napa, CA is $38,780, which is $9,680 more than the average pay in the profession.
Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $38,110 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a medical assistant working in Vallejo, CA is $38,110, which is $9,010 more than the average pay in the profession.
What salaries are being offered for Medical Assistants in your city?
Powered by
loading...
