Medical Assisting Education & Careers
Medical assistant salaries in California: Ranges and factors
California not only boasts stunning landscapes but also a robust healthcare sector, making it a sought-after destination for medical assistants. This article explores the intricacies of medical assistant salaries in California, examining compensation across different experience levels, major employers, factors influencing salaries and the unique allure that positions California as the highest paying state for these healthcare professionals.
Quick view of MA pay in CA
There are roughly 110,280 people employed as medical assistants in California says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes it the #1 state in the U.S. for the employment of medical assistants. The median wage per hour is $22 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 13.9%.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of California include:
- Kaiser Permanente: HQ in Oakland, CA, with multiple locations throughout the state. As one of the largest healthcare providers in the state, Kaiser Permanente offers numerous opportunities for medical assistants.
- Sutter Health: Several locations in San Francisco, Berkeley and throughout the Bay Area, CA. Operating across Northern California, Sutter Health is a major employer of medical assistants in various specialties.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Los Angeles, CA. Cedars-Sinai is a renowned medical institution providing employment for medical assistants.
- Stanford Health Care: Palo Alto and multiple Bay Area locations, CA. In the Bay Area, Stanford Health Care hires medical assistants to support patient care and administrative functions.
- UCLA Health: Los Angeles, CA. The healthcare system affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles, provides employment opportunities for medical assistants.
Medical assistant salary California statistics
In the diverse healthcare landscape of California, medical assistants play a crucial role, providing essential support to medical practitioners and contributing to the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Salaries in this vibrant state vary based on experience, location, and industry demands.
While the median national salary for medical assistants is $42,000 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education. Here’s how medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assistant salary in California
The median annual salary for medical assisting professionals in California is $46,690, making it the third highest-paying state in the U.S. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state. You should also consider the cost of living in the area, as salaries may vary based on whether you work in a major city or smaller town.
Along with salary, medical assistants in California may receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. Many employers also offer educational assistance and professional development opportunities.
10%$36,600
25%$39,240
50%$46,690Median
75%$59,270
90%$72,940
Median Hourly Wage$22
Job growth13.9%
Total Employment110,280
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | $74,750 | $42,600 | $82,500 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $60,500 | $44,160 | $78,250 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $59,770 | $45,440 | $82,410 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | $59,520 | $38,420 | $79,200 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $59,190 | $40,190 | $76,120 |
| Napa, CA | $50,960 | $40,970 | $76,120 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $47,610 | $38,060 | $67,130 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $47,510 | $37,200 | $62,800 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | $47,180 | $36,620 | $64,070 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $47,010 | $37,960 | $72,360 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
How much do medical assistants make in California?
Entry-level medical assistants: In California, entry-level medical assistants can expect salaries ranging from $36,000 to $42,000 annually.
Mid-level medical assistants: With a few years of experience, mid-level medical assistants may command salaries between $40,000 and $59,000 per year.
Senior medical assistants: Those in senior or specialized roles can see salaries exceeding $60,000, and may even reach up to $70,000 or more annually.
Pay by metro area within the state of California
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in Los Angeles or the Bay Area, where there are several high profile, university-affiliated medical facilities, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, California metro areas take the majority of the top-paying spots.
Factors affecting medical assisting salaries in California
Several factors contribute to California’s status as one of the highest paying states for medical assistants:
- High demand: The state’s growing population and diverse healthcare needs create a high demand for qualified medical assistants.
- Cost of living: California’s relatively high cost of living, especially in metropolitan areas, influences higher salary offerings.
- Industry diversity: The state’s diverse healthcare landscape, including prestigious medical institutions and private practices, contributes to varied and competitive compensation.
Other factors that contribute to salary levels in California include:
Location: Salaries vary significantly across different regions of California, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher compensation.
Experience and Certification: Experienced and certified medical assistants often command higher salaries.
Industry and Specialty: Medical assistants in specialized fields or high-demand specialties may receive higher salaries.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical assistant in California?
California’s diversity ensures that the state enforces federal fair wage laws, such as the FLSA, and the California Fair Pay Act, which makes it illegal for an employer to pay any of its employees at wage rates less than the rates paid to employees of another race or gender for substantially similar work.
If you think you may be earning lesser wages than someone doing the same duties, first research pay ranges in your area using online tools such as LinkedIn, PayScale and ZipRecruiter.
You can also talk to people in your network who are also medical assistants. Also utilize the HR department at your place of work. They are skilled in understanding pay ranges and all of the nuances that may impact pay and titles. If you exhaust these resources and still feel uncertain, you can contact Legal Aid at Work or the California Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.
Education and training for medical assisting in CA
While a high school diploma may be sufficient for entry-level positions, completing a medical assistant program such as a diploma or certificate, or even an associate degree, can enhance job prospects and salary potential.
Professional certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, may enhance job prospects and potentially lead to higher salaries.
California’s cost of living considerations
California’s cost of living is higher than the national average, particularly in major cities. When evaluating salary offers, considerations should include housing, transportation and daily expenses.
RentCafe says that California’s cost of living is 42% higher than the national average, and housing is 101% higher. All of the state’s major cities also have a higher cost of living than the national average. Take a look:
| California City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 50% higher |
| Oakland | 44% higher |
| Sacramento | 19% higher |
| San Francisco | 76% higher |
| San Diego | 44% higher |
| San Jose | 49% higher |
| Sunnyvale | 124% higher |
| Stockton | 22% higher |
California professional associations and networking
These associations offer networking opportunities, professional development resources and a supportive community for medical assistants in California.
- California Society of Medical Assistants (CSMA): The CSMA provides networking opportunities and resources for medical assistants in the state.
- California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants: The CCBMA helps California medical assistants achieve excellence in healthcare through certification and recertification programs.
In the dynamic world of California’s healthcare industry, medical assistants find themselves not only contributing to patient care but also enjoying competitive compensation. With a blend of high demand, industry diversity and a commitment to healthcare excellence, California stands out as the example for medical assistant salaries, offering a fulfilling professional journey amid stunning landscapes of the Golden State.
This medical assistant salary guide for California aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the medical assisting profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find medical assistant salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in healthcare roles—and much more.
Written and reported by:
My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Published: February 1, 2024