Certified Medical Practice Assistant Salary in the United States

How much does a Certified Medical Practice Assistant make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Medical Practice Assistant in the United States is $45,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Certified Medical Practice Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $54,105
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,290 to $50,190
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,102
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View as table View as graph 25% $41,290 10% $37,102 90% $54,105 75% $50,190 $45,890 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Certified Medical Practice Assistant Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $50,190 $4,183 $965 $24
Average $45,890 $3,824 $883 $22
25th Percentile $41,290 $3,441 $794 $20
Check out Certified Medical Practice Assistant Job Openings in the United States
Board Certified Family Practice Nurse Practioner

Saco River Medical Group - CONWAY, NH

CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Campbell County Health - GILLETTE, WY

CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Campbell County Health - GILLETTE, WY

CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Campbell County Health - GILLETTE, WY

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Key Factors That Influence Certified Medical Practice Assistant Salaries

A Certified Medical Practice Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Certified Medical Practice Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Certified Medical Practice Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $45,547
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,018
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $46,981
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $47,174
  • Expert (over 8 years): $47,302
Levels Salary
Entry Level Certified Medical Practice Assistant$45,547
Intermediate Level Certified Medical Practice Assistant$46,018
Senior Level Certified Medical Practice Assistant$46,981
Specialist Level Certified Medical Practice Assistant$47,174
Expert Level Certified Medical Practice Assistant$47,302
$45,547 0 yr
$46,018 < 2 yrs
$46,981 2-4 yrs
$47,174 5-8 yrs
$47,302 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Certified Medical Practice Assistants

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $57,890
  • San Francisco: $57,290
  • Oakland: $56,090

What Skills Can Increase a Certified Medical Practice Assistant's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 7.6% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Patient Flow (Mentioned in 2.7% Job Postings): Patient flow is defined as the movement of patients, information or equipment between departments, staff groups or organisations as part of a patients care pathway.
  • Basic Life Support (Mentioned in 2.51% Job Postings): BLS is a level of medical care which is used for patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care by advanced life support providers. It can be provided by trained medical personnel.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 7.6%
Patient Flow 2.7%
Basic Life Support 2.51%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Certified Medical Practice Assistant's salary.
  • Listening: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Organizational Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Listening
$48,185
5%
Organizational Skills
$47,726
4%
Commitment
$47,267
3%
Data Entry
$46,808
2%
Time Management
$46,808
2%
Accountability
$46,808
2%
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How Education impacts a Certified Medical Practice Assistant's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Certified Medical Practice Assistants enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Certified Medical Practice Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,965 and $43,293).

Certified Medical Practice Assistant Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Certified Medical Practice Assistant
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 62.3%
Associates 31.4%
Bachelors 5.0%
Masters 0.4%
Doctorate 0.3%
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Certified Medical Practice Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Certified Medical Practice Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Certified Medical Practice Assistant

Salaries for a Certified Medical Practice Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,112 in 2023 to around $63,648 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Certified Medical Practice Assistant salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Certified Medical Practice Assistant Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$64,112
2024
$64,521
2025
$63,648
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $64,112
2024 $64,521
2025 $63,648
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Certified Medical Practice Assistant

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Certified Medical Practice Assistant

Here are companies hiring for Certified Medical Practice Assistant and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Medical Practice Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Certified Medical Practice Assistant

1. Where is the best place to work as a CMA?

The best place to work as a Certified Medical Practice Assistant (CMA) is in doctor's offices and medical clinics. These private practices often have recurring patients, allowing for a community-oriented environment. With a salary range from $39,290 to $47,490, this setting can provide both job satisfaction and financial stability.

2. How long does it take to become a CMA?

To become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), you typically need to complete a postsecondary education program lasting one to two years, which includes courses in anatomy and medical terminology. Once certified, CMAs can expect a salary ranging from $39,290 to $47,490, with a median salary of $43,290, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare field.

3. How to go from CMA to RN?

To transition from a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) to a Registered Nurse (RN), follow these steps: 1) Enroll in an accredited nursing program. 2) Complete required coursework. 3) Gain practical experience. 4) Graduate from the program. 5) Prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. 6) Pass the NCLEX-RN exam. 7) Obtain RN licensure. As an RN, you can expect a salary ranging from $39,290 to $47,490, with a median of $43,290.

4. What's the most a CMA can make an hour?

The salary for a Certified Medical Practice Assistant ranges from approximately $18.88 per hour at the minimum ($39,290 annually) to about $22.80 per hour at the midpoint ($43,290 annually), with a maximum of around $22.83 per hour ($47,490 annually). Salaries can vary based on the work environment and location.

5. Is being a CMA a good job?

Being a Certified Medical Practice Assistant (CMA) is a good job, offering a salary range from $39,290 to $47,490, with a median of $43,290. CMAs typically enjoy solid benefits and job security, and the role allows for quick entry into the field with ample on-the-job learning opportunities.

6. What's the next step after a medical assistant?

After working as a medical assistant, one can advance to a Certified Medical Practice Assistant (CMPA) role, with salaries ranging from $39,290 to $47,490. Alternatively, pursuing further education to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is also a viable path, enhancing career opportunities and potential earnings.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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