Medical assistants in the US earn a median of $45,690 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $38,470 and $49,180, and the top 10% earn more than $59,310 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $46,000 to $49,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do medical assistants make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $36,050 |
| 25th | $38,470 |
| Median | $45,690 |
| 75th | $49,180 |
| 90th | $59,310 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Medical Assistants, national, about 817,870 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where medical assistants earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $59,290 | $63,590 |
| Alaska | $52,560 | $61,510 |
| District of Columbia | $51,050 | $59,850 |
| Minnesota | $50,480 | $58,540 |
| Oregon | $50,410 | $59,160 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a medical assistant?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $38,000–$46,000 | $48,000 |
| 3–5 years | $46,000–$49,000 | $51,000 |
| 6–10 years | $47,000–$53,000 | $56,000 |
| 10+ years | $49,000–$59,000 | $62,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives medical assistant pay?
Medical assistants take vital signs, prepare patients, give injections where allowed, and handle scheduling and records. Pay is usually hourly; certification, specialty clinics and front- and back-office skills can raise your rate.
- Certification, for example CMA or RMA.
- Clinical tasks you're trained for: phlebotomy, EKG, injections.
- Specialty clinics such as dermatology, cardiology or surgery.
- Bilingual skills and front-desk experience.
Your leverage as a medical assistant
- National certification.
- Phlebotomy, EKG or point-of-care testing skills.
- Experience with the clinic's EHR system.
- Bilingual communication with patients.
- Flexibility to work at different clinic sites.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Medical assistant objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “All MAs start at the same rate.” | “Is there a different rate for certified MAs? I'm a [CMA/RMA].” |
| “We'll review your pay in a year.” | “Could we do it at 90 days, once you've seen my work?” |
| “The clinic has a tight budget.” | “I understand. Could we add a shift differential or extra PTO instead?” |
| “Bilingual skills aren't paid extra here.” | “Many of your patients speak [language]; I'd like that reflected in the rate.” |
Sample counter offer for a medical assistant
Thanks for the offer — I'd like to join the clinic. With my [certification], [number] years of experience and phlebotomy skills, I'm asking for [hourly rate]. The national median for medical assistants is $45,690 a year.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a medical assistant
Add a certification or a clinical skill the clinic needs, track the tasks you've taken on, and ask for the rate that matches them.