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Medical Assistant Salary in California

How much does a Medical Assistant make in California?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Assistant in California is $50,908 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $60,623
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,215 to $55,993
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,941
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Medical Assistant Salaries

A Medical 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Medical Assistant Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Medical 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): $49,988
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,506
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $51,551
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $51,760
  • Expert (over 8 years): $51,899
Levels Salary
Entry Level Medical Assistant$49,988
Intermediate Level Medical Assistant$50,506
Senior Level Medical Assistant$51,551
Specialist Level Medical Assistant$51,760
Expert Level Medical Assistant$51,899
View as Graph

How Do Medical Assistant Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Medical Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $51,102.
  • California: $50,908.
  • Massachusetts: $50,230.

Top Paying Cities for Medical 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:

  • Los Angeles: $50,996
  • West Hollywood: $50,959
  • Dodgertown: $50,995

Medical Assistant Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Medical Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Medical Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Medical Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Medical Assistant

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$61,090$29.020%

Medical Assistant Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Medical 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 October 01, 2026
$46,215
Average $50,908/year
$55,993
$3,851
Average $4,242/month
$4,666
$889
Average $979/week
$1,077
$22
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $55,993 $4,666 $1,077 $27
Average $50,908 $4,242 $979 $24
25th Percentile $46,215 $3,851 $889 $22

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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