How much do medical assistants make?
Medical assistants earn a national median of about $44,200 per year, or roughly $21.25 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level pay starts near $33,000, while top earners make $58,000 or more.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level | $33,000 - $36,000 | About $16 to $17 per hour for new and non-certified assistants. |
| Median (national) | $44,200 | Roughly $21.25 per hour (BLS, May 2024 data). |
| Certified (CMA/RMA) | ~$48,000 | About $23 per hour; certification typically lifts pay. |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $58,000+ | Around $28+ per hour in high-demand metros and specialties. |
What medical assistants earn in 2026
The national median wage for medical assistants is about $44,200 per year, which works out to roughly $21.25 per hour, based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Half of medical assistants earn more than this and half earn less.
Entry-level assistants generally start around $33,000 to $36,000, while the top 10 percent make $58,000 or more. Demand is strong: BLS projects medical assistant employment to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the early 2030s, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient care.
What drives the differences in pay
Geography is one of the biggest factors. Wages in high-cost states and large metro areas can run several dollars per hour above the national median, while rural and lower-cost regions tend to pay less. Local demand for outpatient and clinic staffing pushes rates up in some markets.
Certification, experience, and employer type also matter. Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) and Registered Medical Assistants (RMA) typically earn more than non-certified peers, and assistants in hospitals or specialty practices often out-earn those in small physician offices.
How to earn more as a medical assistant
Earning certification through bodies like the AAMA (CMA) or AMT (RMA) is one of the most reliable ways to raise pay, since many employers tie wage bumps and advanced duties to credentials. Adding skills like phlebotomy, EKG, or coding can also move you toward the higher end of the range.
Beyond certification, working in higher-paying states or specialty clinics, taking on lead or office-coordinator roles, and building tenure with one employer all tend to lift compensation over time. Some assistants use the role as a stepping stone into nursing or other higher-paid clinical careers.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do medical assistants make per hour?
- The national median is about $21.25 per hour. Entry-level pay is closer to $16 to $17, while certified and experienced assistants can earn $23 or more.
- Do certified medical assistants earn more?
- Generally yes. CMA and RMA certification often raises pay above the non-certified median, with many certified assistants earning around $23 per hour or more.
- Is medical assisting a growing field?
- Yes. The BLS projects employment of medical assistants to grow much faster than average through the early 2030s, fueled by demand for outpatient and clinic care.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.