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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Medical Assistant in California is $49,132 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Senior Medical Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Medical Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $53,473 | $4,456 | $1,028 | $26 |
| Average | $49,132 | $4,094 | $945 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,764 | $3,647 | $842 | $21 |
Cedars Sinai - Los Angeles, CA
Providence Health & Services - Carson, CA
Cedars-Sinai - Los Angeles, CA
UnitedHealth Group - Cypress, CA
A Senior 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Senior 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Senior Medical Assistant | $49,132 |
| Intermediate Level Senior Medical Assistant | $49,641 |
| Senior Level Senior Medical Assistant | $50,668 |
| Specialist Level Senior Medical Assistant | $50,873 |
| Expert Level Senior Medical Assistant | $51,010 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Senior Medical Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Senior 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, Senior Medical Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Senior Medical Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $58,958 | $28.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Senior 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,473 | $4,456 | $1,028 | $26 |
| Average | $49,132 | $4,094 | $945 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,764 | $3,647 | $842 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Medical Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
UnitedHealth Group
Irvine, CA
UnitedHealth Group | Irvine, CA
UnitedHealth Group - - Responsibilities: Delivers high-quality patient care through face-to-face, telephone, and electronic contact for examination, treatm... more
5 Days Ago
Cedars-Sinai
Los Angeles, CA
Cedars-Sinai | Los Angeles, CA
Cedars-Sinai - 120 North Robertson Boulevard - Responsibilities: Greet patients and take vital signs. Verify patient information and insurance. Prepare pat... more
4 Days Ago
SOUTHERN INYO HEALTHCARE DISTRICT
Lone Pine, CA
SOUTHERN INYO HEALTHCARE DISTRICT | Lone Pine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary. A Medical Assistant, or a Clinical Assistant, is responsible for assisting Providers in providing care to th... more
5 Days Ago
Sutter Health
Santa Rosa, CA
Sutter Health | Santa Rosa, CA
Sutter Health - 6000 State Farm Drive - Responsibilities: Provide clinical and clerical support to the patient care team. Perform back-office duties and ro... more
3 Days Ago
Sutter Health
Rohnert Park, CA
Sutter Health | Rohnert Park, CA
Sutter Health - - Responsibilities: Provide clinical and clerical support to providers and patient care team. Take vital signs and prepare patients for exa... more
3 Days Ago
Sutter Health
Santa Rosa, CA
Sutter Health | Santa Rosa, CA
Sutter Health - - Responsibilities: Provide clinical and clerical support to providers and members of the patient care team. Perform back-office and patien... more
7 Days Ago
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