How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in California? 2026 Salary Guide
Introduction
How much do Medical Assistants really earn in California in 2026? If you’re exploring medical assistant jobs or considering a move to the Golden State, this guide reveals how salaries vary across cities and experience levels. California’s median annual salary for Medical Assistants is $52,770, which is approximately 14% higher than the national average. Understanding these trends ensures you make informed career decisions.
In this report, you’ll discover detailed salary comparisons, location-specific insights, and the impact of certification on earnings. Keep reading if you’re aiming for a lucrative medical assistant position near California’s highest-paying cities. Transition seamlessly into a well-compensated role by knowing where your skills are in demand and how much you should be earning.
Salary Overview
Understanding the salary landscape for Medical Assistants in California involves analyzing both national and state-specific figures. As of 2026, the National Median Annual Salary for Medical Assistants stands at $46,000, with a range from $35,020 at the 10th percentile to $57,830 at the 90th percentile[1]. The national hourly wage roughly translates to $22.12/hour based on the median annual salary[1].
In contrast, California offers a Median Annual Salary of $52,770, significantly higher than the national average by approximately 14%[1]. The average hourly wage for Medical Assistants in California is $23.53/hour, with Certified Medical Assistants earning slightly more at $24.25/hour[2,3].
Moreover, job postings in California reflect salary variations for different types of positions. Permanent positions range from $24.00–$36.00/hour, whereas travel or contract roles offer $1,083–$1,322/week, equating to $27–$33/hour for a standard 40-hour week[4]. Even entry-level positions at a top employer like Kaiser Permanente offer competitive rates of $28.98–$32.10/hour[5].
Experience Level Breakdown
The salary for Medical Assistants in California also varies with experience.
Entry-Level
- Entry-Level Medical Assistant: $21.41/hour on average in California[2].
Senior-Level
- Senior Medical Assistant: $27.92/hour on average in California[2].
Geographic Analysis: California
Different regions within California display distinct salary scales for Medical Assistants. Here are some geographic insights:
- Vallejo, CA: $66,280/year[1]
- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $63,520/year[1]
- San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: $62,560/year[1]
- Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA: $61,760/year[1]
Additionally, hourly rates in various cities highlight the earnings potential:
- San Francisco, CA: $27.48/hour[2]
- San Mateo, CA: $26.79/hour[2]
- Vacaville, CA: $26.22/hour[2]
- Fremont, CA: $25.92/hour[2]
- Los Altos, CA: $25.35/hour[2]
Salary Trends for 2026
While specific salary trends for 2026 remain elusive, employment for medical assistants is expected to grow by 12% from 2024 to 2034, indicating strong demand for these professionals[1]. This growth potentially positively influences salary trends due to increased competition for skilled medical assistants.
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors impact the wages of Medical Assistants in California:
- Certification Impact: Certified Medical Assistants earn approximately $0.72/hour more than their non-certified counterparts[2,3].
- Work Settings: Salaries differ based on work environments:
– Grant making and Giving Services: $58,170/year
– Junior Colleges: $54,470/year
– Scientific Research and Development Services: $54,030/year
– Outpatient Care Centers: $51,550/year[1].
How to Increase Salary
Advancing in this career often involves strategic moves including gaining experience, obtaining certifications, and considering higher-paying locations. Though specific trend data is limited, these strategies typically enhance earning potential:
- Pursue certifications that offer pay premiums
- Relocate to high-paying regions like San Francisco or San Jose
- Gain experience in specialized and well-paying work settings
Conclusion
In 2026, the Medical Assistant landscape in California exhibits promising salary opportunities. With a median annual salary of $52,770, it’s clear that California offers attractive compensation. Key insights include:
- Average salary in California: $52,770
- Top-paying cities: San Francisco ($27.48/hour), San Mateo ($26.79/hour)
- Key factors affecting earnings include location, certification, and experience
- Growth outlook: 12% increase from 2024-2034
Explore how to become a medical assistant in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Medical Assistant salary in California in 2026?
The average Medical Assistant salary in California is $52,770 annually. This figure reflects a 14% higher salary than the national median[1].
How much does an entry-level Medical Assistant make in California?
In California, an entry-level Medical Assistant earns approximately $21.41/hour. Entry-level positions offer a strong foothold into this growing field[2].
Is Medical Assistant salary higher in California or Nevada?
Medical Assistant salaries are typically higher in California, with a median of $52,770 compared to Nevada’s lower average. California’s competitive healthcare market contributes to this discrepancy[1].
What certifications increase Medical Assistant salary the most?
Certifications such as CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) can increase earnings by approximately $0.72/hour, translating to better opportunities and growth.
Is Medical Assistant salary expected to increase in 2027?
Yes, the salary for Medical Assistants is anticipated to grow with the expanding healthcare industry, bolstered by a projected 12% employment increase from 2024-2034.
What is the highest-paying Medical Assistant specialty?
Medical Assistants in specialized fields, like Grantmaking and Giving Services, can earn an average of $58,170, making specialization a lucrative pathway[1].
Sources
[1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Medical Assistants Overview. www.bls.gov/…
[2] California Employment Development Department – Medical Assistants. www.edd.ca.gov/…
[3] American Association of Medical Assistants – CMA Certification Benefits. www.aama-ntl.org/…
[4] Indeed – Medical Assistant Salary Ranges. www.indeed.com/…
[5] Kaiser Permanente Careers – Medical Assistant Positions. www.kaiserpermanentejobs.org/…