Medical Assistant Salary in 2025: What You Can Expect to Earn in Every State
- Elnaz Sarabchian
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
If you're considering becoming a Medical Assistant in 2025, one of your first questions is probably: “How much do Medical Assistants make?”The great news is that Medical Assistants continue to be one of the fastest-growing and most stable careers in healthcare, with strong earning potential across the United States.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:
National salary averages
State-by-state salary ranges
Highest-paying cities for Medical Assistants
The difference between certified vs non-certified MA pay
How experience and specialization affect income
How to increase your earning potential quickly
By the end of this article, you'll know exactly what you can expect to earn as a Medical Assistant—and why certification through an accredited program like Clinical Skills Institute can significantly boost your salary.
What Is the Average Medical Assistant Salary in 2025?
The national average salary for Medical Assistants in 2025 ranges from:
$37,000 to $52,000 per year
This is based on data from:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical staffing agencies
National job boards
Industry salary surveys
Hourly pay typically ranges between $17–$25 per hour, depending on location and experience.
Why the salary varies
MA salary depends on:
Your state
Your city
Whether you are certified (CCMA)
Your experience level
Your clinical skills
Type of practice or specialty
Some states pay much higher than others due to cost of living and healthcare demand.
Certified vs. Non-Certified Medical Assistant Salary
If you want the highest salary possible, certification is essential.
Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA): $40,000–$52,000
Non-Certified Medical Assistant: $32,000–$38,000
That’s a $7,000–$14,000 difference per year.
Employers prefer certified MAs because they:
Have proven clinical competency
Understand EKG & phlebotomy basics
Are trained in OSHA & HIPAA
Are better prepared for patient care
Reduce liability for the clinic
This is why certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is so important—especially for job placement and salary growth.
Highest-Paying States for Medical Assistants in 2025
Below are the top-paying states for Medical Assistants, with average annual salaries:
1. Washington — $49,000–$54,000
2. California — $48,000–$53,000
3. Oregon — $46,000–$51,000
4. Massachusetts — $45,000–$50,000
5. Minnesota — $44,000–$49,000
6. Colorado — $43,000–$48,000
7. New York — $42,000–$47,000
8. Connecticut — $41,000–$46,000
9. New Jersey — $41,000–$46,000
10. Maryland — $40,000–$45,000
These states tend to have strong healthcare networks, large hospital systems, and higher costs of living—leading to higher MA wages.
Medical Assistant Salary by State (Full List)
Here is a breakdown of Medical Assistant salary ranges in all 50 states for 2025:
State | Salary Range (Annual) |
Alabama | $33,000–$37,000 |
Alaska | $41,000–$46,000 |
Arizona | $38,000–$43,000 |
Arkansas | $32,000–$36,000 |
California | $48,000–$53,000 |
Colorado | $43,000–$48,000 |
Connecticut | $41,000–$46,000 |
Delaware | $38,000–$43,000 |
Florida | $35,000–$41,000 |
Georgia | $34,000–$39,000 |
Hawaii | $40,000–$45,000 |
Idaho | $34,000–$39,000 |
Illinois | $38,000–$43,000 |
Indiana | $34,000–$39,000 |
Iowa | $34,000–$38,000 |
Kansas | $33,000–$38,000 |
Kentucky | $32,000–$37,000 |
Louisiana | $33,000–$37,000 |
Maine | $37,000–$41,000 |
Maryland | $40,000–$45,000 |
Massachusetts | $45,000–$50,000 |
Michigan | $36,000–$41,000 |
Minnesota | $44,000–$49,000 |
Mississippi | $31,000–$35,000 |
Missouri | $34,000–$39,000 |
Montana | $34,000–$39,000 |
Nebraska | $34,000–$38,000 |
Nevada | $38,000–$43,000 |
New Hampshire | $39,000–$44,000 |
New Jersey | $41,000–$46,000 |
New Mexico | $34,000–$39,000 |
New York | $42,000–$47,000 |
North Carolina | $35,000–$40,000 |
North Dakota | $35,000–$40,000 |
Ohio | $35,000–$40,000 |
Oklahoma | $33,000–$37,000 |
Oregon | $46,000–$51,000 |
Pennsylvania | $36,000–$41,000 |
Rhode Island | $40,000–$45,000 |
South Carolina | $34,000–$38,000 |
South Dakota | $32,000–$37,000 |
Tennessee | $34,000–$38,000 |
Texas | $36,000–$42,000 |
Utah | $35,000–$40,000 |
Vermont | $38,000–$42,000 |
Virginia | $37,000–$42,000 |
Washington | $49,000–$54,000 |
West Virginia | $32,000–$36,000 |
Wisconsin | $36,000–$41,000 |
Wyoming | $35,000–$39,000 |
Highest-Paying Cities for Medical Assistants
Urban areas tend to pay more due to high patient volume and competition for trained staff.
Top cities for MA pay in 2025:
Seattle, WA
San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Boston, MA
Portland, OR
Denver, CO
New York City, NY
Minneapolis, MN
In these cities, Medical Assistants can earn $22–$28 per hour or more.
How Experience Affects Your Salary
Entry-Level Medical Assistant
$33,000–$39,000(0–1 year experience)
Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA)
$40,000–$52,000(With NHA credential)
Experienced MA (2+ years)
$45,000–$55,000(Typically in specialty practices)
Lead MA or Supervisor
$50,000–$60,000+
Specialties With the Highest MA Salaries
Specialty clinics tend to pay more because the work requires additional skills.
Top-paying specialties:
Dermatology
Cardiology
Orthopedics
Oncology
Fertility clinics
Neurology
Surgical centers
Pain management clinics
Specialty MAs can earn an additional $2–$6 per hour compared to primary care.
How to Increase Your Medical Assistant Salary Quickly
Here are strategies that can boost your income fast:
1. Get Certified (CCMA)
This is the #1 way to increase your salary and job opportunities.
2. Choose a High-Paying State or City
Washington, California, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Minnesota lead the list.
3. Learn Additional Clinical Skills
Employers love MAs who can perform:
EKGs
Blood draws
Injections
Medical scribing
4. Work in a Specialty Practice
Dermatology and cardiology pay significantly more.
5. Ask for Growth Opportunities
After 6–12 months of experience, many MAs become:
Lead MA
Trainer
Care coordinator
Clinical supervisor
Is Becoming a Medical Assistant Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely—especially if you want a fast, affordable, stable path into healthcare.
Here’s why:
✔ The job market is strong nationwide
✔ Certification takes only a few months
✔ Many career advancement options
✔ High demand in all 50 states
✔ Growing telehealth and outpatient care industries
✔ Flexible job opportunities
For many students, becoming a Medical Assistant is the perfect starting point for a long, fulfilling healthcare career.
Start Your Medical Assistant Career Today
linical Skills Institute makes becoming a Certified Medical Assistant simple, affordable, and fast. Everything you need is included in one low tuition price.
✔ $810 total tuition
✔ 100% online, self-paced learning
✔ 12 months of full access
✔ NHA exam fee INCLUDED ($165 value)
✔ 6 free NHA practice exams ($50 value)✔ Externship support
✔ Job support after certification
✔ Accepted in 49 states (excludes Washington State)
You can finish in as little as 8–12 weeks and start working in healthcare.Enroll today and take the first step toward a rewarding career as a Certified Medical
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