Medical Assisting Education & Careers
By: My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Updated: February 10, 2026
Medical assistant salaries in Ohio: Ranges and factors
Beginning a career as a medical assistant in Ohio may offer a multitude of opportunities in the dynamic healthcare landscape of the Buckeye State. This article is a comprehensive exploration of medical assistant salaries, job prospects and key considerations for those pursuing this rewarding profession in Ohio.
Quick view of MA pay in Ohio
There are roughly 21,260 people employed as medical assistants in Ohio says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $19 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.5%.
Ohio is a favorable state for medical assistants. The state’s robust healthcare infrastructure, diverse medical facilities and competitive salaries contribute to creating a conducive environment for professionals in this field. Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of Ohio include:
- Cleveland Clinic: Cleveland and multiple locations in OH. A renowned healthcare institution, the Cleveland Clinic provides extensive employment opportunities for medical assistants in various specialties.
- OhioHealth: Several locations including Columbus, OH. OhioHealth, a leading health system, offers a wide array of positions for medical assistants across their network of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- University Hospitals: Cleveland, Beachwood, South Euclid and other locations, OH. University Hospitals, with its academic focus, provides opportunities for medical assistants in both clinical and research-oriented settings.
- TriHealth: Cincinnati, Oxford, Lebanon, Hamilton, OH. TriHealth, as a provider of integrated health services, is a significant employer of medical assistants, offering diverse roles in patient care.
- Premier Health: Dayton and multiple locations, OH. As a comprehensive health system, Premier Health employs medical assistants across various medical disciplines, contributing to Ohio’s vibrant healthcare community.
How much do medical assistants make in Ohio?
While the median national salary for medical assistants is $44,200 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:
Medical assistant salary in Ohio
The median annual salary for medical assisting professionals in Ohio is $40,430. While salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state, Ohio salaries are just under the national median of for medical assistants.
10%$35,270
25%$37,470
50%$40,430Median
75%$46,110
90%$48,300
Median Hourly Wage$19
Job growth12.5%
Total Employment23,210
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | $44,720 | $36,500 | $53,900 |
| Columbus, OH | $43,830 | $36,870 | $49,310 |
| Sandusky, OH | $43,600 | $36,320 | $61,090 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $43,480 | $35,740 | $48,610 |
| Lima, OH | $40,350 | $31,930 | $47,840 |
| Toledo, OH | $40,230 | $35,050 | $46,340 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $39,810 | $37,000 | $48,190 |
| Mansfield, OH | $39,120 | $34,960 | $44,690 |
| Akron, OH | $38,540 | $35,350 | $46,420 |
| Springfield, OH | $38,260 | $32,930 | $46,560 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. 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.
Salary range for a medical assisting career in Ohio
Medical assistants in Ohio may experience a wide salary range. The BLS says median salaries typically range from $35,270 for entry level to $48,300 for senior roles, with variations based on experience, location and the specific healthcare setting.
Pay by metro area within the state of Ohio
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—and Ohio has large healthcare facilities in many cities including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Lebanon, Dayton and Columbus, which also is in proximity to Ohio State University—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, Ohio does not have a metro area that ranks among the highest paying locations. Those metro areas are largely in California and Washington, which pay higher on average than most other cities in the country.
Factors that may affect medical assisting salaries in Ohio
Several factors influence medical assistant salaries in Ohio, just as they do other states. Some of these factors may include:
Experience and certification:
Experienced and certified medical assistants often command higher salaries due to their advanced skills and qualifications.
Geographical location:
Salaries may vary based on the specific location within Ohio, with urban areas generally offering higher compensation to account for the cost of living. Ohio’s major cities generally have a lower cost of living than the national average, so salary may go further.
Employer and industry:
Medical assistants working in specialized healthcare sectors, such as oncology or pediatrics, or prestigious institutions may receive higher compensation.
Education and training:
Advanced education, such as an associate degree or specialized certifications, may contribute to increased earning potential.
Demand for healthcare services:
Regions with higher demand for healthcare services may offer competitive salaries to attract skilled medical assistants to the area.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Ohio?
Ohio follows federal labor laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and child labor. It’s crucial for both employers and employees to be aware of these regulations.
To gauge whether you are being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Ohio:
- Research industry standards: Utilize salary research tools and local and national job banks, industry reports and the BLS data to get a sense of salary ranges for medical assistants in the state.
- Compare with local averages: Compare your salary with averages in your local area to account for regional variations.
- Consider your experience: Evaluate your experience, certifications and skills to ensure they align with industry expectations for your pay for the duties you are performing.
- Network and seek feedback: Reach out to other medical assistants, attend professional events and seek feedback to gain insights into industry norms.
- Contact you HR department: Your employer’s HR department is skilled in labor law and salary ranges for different levels of roles within the facility. Ask questions and make sure you understand the nuances of pay, benefits and perks.
Ohio enforces Section 4111.17–Ohio Revised Code–Ohio Laws, that bans discrimination in payment of wages on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry.
If you have exhausted your work resources and professional network, you may consider contacting the Ohio Department of Commerce or the official State of Ohio website.
Education for Ohio medical assistants
While formal education requirements for medical assistants vary, completing a medical assistant program or obtaining relevant certifications can enhance job prospects. Many medical assistants pursue programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The most common programs for medical assistants are either a diploma/certificate course, which takes approximately nine months to complete, or an associate degree program, which usually consists of two years of full-time study.
Cost of living considerations for Ohio
Ohio boasts a cost of living that is slightly below the national average, making it an attractive state for medical assistants. Cities like Columbus and Cincinnati provide diverse housing options and contribute to the overall affordability of living in the state.
Assessing the cost of living helps you weigh how your salary may align with your expenses, such as housing and utilities, so you can make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
RentCafe says that Ohio’s cost of living is 11% lower than the national average, with housing at 27% lower. Take a look at how some of Ohio’s major cities stack up against the national average:
| Ohio City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Akron | 14% lower |
| Cincinnati | 3% lower |
| Cleveland | 6% lower |
| Columbus | 10% lower |
| Dayton | 6% lower |
| Youngstown | 18% lower |
| Wooster | 8% lower |
Ohio professional associations and networking
Joining associations may offer networking opportunities, professional development resources and a supportive community for medical assistants on a local and national level. You may want to consider:
- Ohio State Society of Medical Assistants (OSSMA): OSSMA provides the opportunity to grow knowledge and skills and be a part of Ohio’s medical assisting career community.
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)–Ohio Chapter: A national group whose mission is to provide the medical assistant professional with education, certification, credential acknowledgment, networking opportunities and advocacy for quality patient-centered healthcare.
Learning how to become a medical assistant in Ohio is a positive move, backed by a thriving healthcare sector, competitive salary, a lower cost of living and a supportive professional community. With academic, research and patient-focused medical facilities and a cost-friendly housing environment, Ohio offers a supportive pathway to medical assistants building rewarding careers. Whether you’re just starting your education journey or seeking career advancement, Ohio may provide the access to the field of medical assisting you’re seeking.
This medical assistant salary guide for Ohio 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.