Medical Assistant salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 9 months to 2 years to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$49,660/ yr
$4,138 / mo · $23.88 / hr
↑ $3,970 above the national median ($45,690)
Pay by experience
Entry
$39,291
Median
$49,660
Experienced
$77,293
Demand
High
Program length
9 months to 2 years
Projected growth
+12.5%
Annual openings
112,300
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How California compares to the national wage trend
California median
$49,660
2025 national
$45,690
2024 national
$44,200
↑ +3.4% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+12.5% projected growth through 2034
112,300 average annual openings nationwide for Medical Assistants.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$5,138
- Time to complete9 months to 2 years
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$39,291
- Median salary$49,660
- Experienced salary$77,293
At an entry wage of $39,291, most Medical Assistants break even on the $5,138 training investment in about 2 months of work.
How to become a Medical Assistant in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Medical Assistant program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Medical Assistant tracks complete in 9 months to 2 years and average $5,138 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly 112,300 Medical Assistant openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Medical Assistant in California is $49,660 per year, which is $23.88 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $39,291 while experienced Medical Assistants can earn up to $77,293 annually.
Next step
Find Medical Assistant Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Medical Assistant classes in your area.