Medical assistant pay
What medical assistants earn — and take home — in 2026
Medical assisting is the front door to healthcare for hundreds of thousands of workers. The BLS puts the median medical assistant at $44,200 (May 2024), with the top 10% over $57,000. The field is booming: 112,300 openings are projected each year through 2034, and certification (CMA or RMA) plus experience in specialties like cardiology or dermatology lifts pay.
Where a medical assistant's paycheck goes
On the $44,200 median, a single medical assistant falls largely in the 12% federal marginal bracket after the standard deduction, plus FICA. State income tax ranges from nothing in Texas, Florida and Tennessee to several percent elsewhere. Because the standard deduction shelters a big chunk of a modest salary, federal income tax is relatively light here.
The highest-paying states for medical assistants
Average pay runs highest in Washington, California, Alaska, Massachusetts and Minnesota. Washington and Alaska have no income tax, which gives them a clear take-home advantage.
Compare medical assisting with other careers
See how medical-assistant pay compares with a dental assistant, a registered nurse or a paramedic, or check your exact net in Texas or California.
Questions
Medical Assistant Salary Calculator FAQ
How much does a medical assistant make in 2026?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $44,200 for medical assistants (May 2024). The top 10% earn over $57,000. The field is one of the fastest-growing in the country, projected to add about 112,300 openings a year through 2034, and certification (CMA or RMA) raises pay.
What is a medical assistant's take-home pay on $44,200?
A single medical assistant earning the $44,200 median takes home roughly $37,000 to $38,000 a year after federal income tax and FICA in a no-income-tax state. State income tax in most states removes another $900 to $1,800. Use the state selector for your exact figure.
Is medical assistant a good career to start in healthcare?
Yes. Medical assisting requires only short training — often a one-year certificate or diploma — and offers fast entry into clinical work. Many assistants use it as a stepping stone to nursing, sonography or other licensed roles, while certification and specialty experience raise pay within the role itself.
Which states pay medical assistants the most?
Washington, California, Alaska, Massachusetts and Minnesota report the highest average medical-assistant pay. Washington and Alaska levy no state income tax, so they often deliver the best take-home, while California pays the most on paper but taxes income.
- Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Medical Assistants (median $44,200, May 2024) · IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 · SSA 2026 wage base ($184,500) · State departments of revenue.
- 🔄 Last updated June 9, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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