May 2025 BLS data
Medical Assistant salary in California
The median medical assistant in California earns $49,660/year ($23.88/hr) — 9% above the national median.
Median pay
$49,660/yr
Hourly median
$23.88/hr
State rank
#6 of 51
Employed
117,060
Medical Assistant pay percentiles in California
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $18.89 | $39,290 |
| 25th percentile | $22.23 | $46,240 |
| Median (50th) | $23.88 | $49,660 |
| 75th percentile | $29.75 | $61,870 |
| 90th percentile | $37.16 | $77,300 |
The spread is large: top-decile medical assistants in California out-earn the bottom decile by $18.27/hour — experience, certifications, and setting drive most of that gap.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
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What do people in your role actually earn?
Medical Assistants in California earn
$18.89–$37.16 /hour
Median $49,660/year · 117,060 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Nearby states compared
Top-paying states for medical assistants
- 1. Washington$59,290/yr
- 2. Alaska$52,560/yr
- 3. District of Columbia$51,050/yr
- 4. Minnesota$50,480/yr
- 5. Oregon$50,410/yr
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Medical Assistant salaries in every stateFrequently asked questions
How much does a medical assistant make in California?
The median medical assistant in California earns $49,660 per year, or $23.88 per hour, according to May 2025 BLS data. Most earn between $39,290 (10th percentile) and $77,300 (90th percentile).
What is a good medical assistant salary in California?
Top-quartile medical assistants in California earn $61,870 or more per year ($29.75/hr). Reaching that range typically comes from experience, certifications, and higher-paying settings.
How does California compare to other states for medical assistants?
California ranks #6 of 51 states, with a median 9% above the national median of $45,690.
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in California?
Entry-level pay typically falls near the 10th–25th percentile: $39,290–$46,240 per year ($18.89–$22.23/hr) in California.