Medical Assisting Education & Careers
By: My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Updated: February 10, 2026
Medical assistant salaries in Washington
Embarking on a career as a medical assistant in Washington state may open doors to a dynamic and fulfilling role in the healthcare sector. This article offers an in-depth exploration of the salaries, career prospects and key considerations for medical assistants in the Evergreen State.
Overview of MA pay in WA
There are roughly 17,580 people employed as medical assistants in Washington says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $27 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.5%.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of Washington include:
- Swedish Health Services: Multiple locations with HQ in Seattle, WA. As one of Washington’s largest healthcare providers, highly ranked Swedish Medical Center offers extensive opportunities for medical assistants across various specialties.
- Providence Health & Services: Several locations with HQ in Renton, WA. Providence, a leading healthcare organization, employs a significant number of medical assistants in clinics and hospitals throughout Washington.
- University of Washington Medicine: Seattle, WA. Home to one of the best medical schools in the country, University of Washington Medicine provides a diverse and educational environment for medical assistants to thrive in both clinical and research settings.
- Virginia Mason Medical Center: Seattle-Tacoma, WA. Virginia Mason is a renowned healthcare institution in Washington that merged with CommonSpirit Health and CHI Franciscan, offering employment opportunities for medical assistants in a variety of medical disciplines.
- Kaiser Permanente: Administrative offices in Renton, WA; multiple locations. Kaiser Permanente, a prominent healthcare provider, is a major employer of medical assistants, offering a range of positions in medical offices and outpatient settings.
How much do medical assistants make in Washington?
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 medical assisting certifications you have earned and your level of education in the field. Here’s how medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assistant salary in Washington
The median annual salary for medical assisting professionals in Washington is $55,120. While it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state, the BLS ranks Washington as the #1 paying state.
10%$43,810
25%$47,320
50%$55,120Median
75%$60,730
90%$69,320
Median Hourly Wage$27
Job growth12.5%
Total Employment18,430
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $58,850 | $46,610 | $72,640 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | $53,140 | $43,620 | $60,920 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | $50,300 | $44,060 | $64,410 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | $49,470 | $44,830 | $62,420 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | $49,370 | $39,630 | $61,470 |
| Bellingham, WA | $48,430 | $42,630 | $59,520 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $47,980 | $38,890 | $61,540 |
| Yakima, WA | $47,890 | $39,630 | $57,450 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $47,830 | $39,320 | $60,130 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $47,200 | $38,680 | $59,730 |
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 Washington
Medical assistants in Washington experience a wide salary scale. Median salaries typically range from $43,810 to $69,320, with variations based on experience, location and the specific healthcare setting.
Pay by metro area within the state of Washington
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 Seattle or Renton, which have both high profile medical facilities and administrative headquarters, 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, Washington ranked highest pay in the #7 spot (Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue) and the #10 spot (Tumwater-Olympia).
Factors affecting medical assisting salaries in Washington
Several factors influence medical assistant salaries in Washington. 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 Washington, with urban areas generally offering higher compensation to account for the cost of living.
Employer and industry:
Medical assistants working in specialized healthcare sectors 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:
As a major healthcare hub on a national level, Washington provides education and health services to the state and country. Regions with higher demand for healthcare services may offer competitive salaries to attract skilled medical assistants.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Washington?
To gauge whether you are being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Washington:
- Research industry standards: Utilize salary research tools, industry reports and the BLS data to understand the prevailing 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 salary level.
- Network and seek feedback: Engage with fellow medical assistants, attend professional events and seek feedback to gain insights into industry norms.
Washington enforces federal fair wage laws and enacts the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to ensure pay parity regardless of gender for doing the same job. The state also has one of the highest minimum wages for employees aged 16 and over. If you feel you have exhausted your resources, you may consider reaching out to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
Education and training for medical assisting in WA
While formal education requirements for medical assistants vary, completing a medical assistant program or obtaining relevant certifications, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, can enhance job prospects. Many medical assistants pursue programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Cost of living considerations for WA
Washington’s cost of living is above the national average, particularly in urban centers like Seattle. However, the absence of state income tax contributes to overall financial considerations. Economic stability and job growth in the healthcare sector further solidify the prospects for medical assistants 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 Washington’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average, and housing is 28% higher. Take a look at how some of the major cities stack up against the national average:
| Washington City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Bellingham | 20% higher |
| Vancouver | 4% higher |
| Bremerton | 22% higher |
| Seattle | 49% higher |
| Tacoma | 22% higher |
| Olympia | 14% higher |
| Spokane | 3% higher |
Washington professional associations and networking
These associations may offer networking opportunities, professional development resources and a supportive community for medical assistants in Washington state.
- Washington State Society of Medical Assistants (WSSMA): Promotes the professional growth of medical assistants through continuing education in clinical/administrative skills and knowledge in current trends within the industry.
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)–Washington Chapter: Members of AAMA save money, get in the know and meet other people locally and nationally who are in the profession.
Choosing to be a medical assistant in Washington state is a positive move marked by opportunity, competitive salaries and a supportive healthcare environment. With top-tier employers, professional associations and a commitment to healthcare excellence, Washington provides a thriving landscape for medical assistants to build rewarding and impactful careers. Whether you’re starting your journey or seeking advancement, the Evergreen State offers a promising pathway for success in the healthcare field.
The medical assistant salary guide for Washington 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.