Medication Aide salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 2 to 8 weeks to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$47,630/ yr
$3,969 / mo · $22.90 / hr
↑ $5,370 above the national median ($42,260)
Pay by experience
Entry
$40,102
Median
$47,630
Experienced
$61,110
Demand
Stable
Program length
2 to 8 weeks
Projected growth
+2.3%
Annual openings
204,100
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How California compares to the national wage trend
California median
$47,630
2025 national
$42,260
2024 national
$39,530
↑ +6.9% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+2.3% projected growth through 2034
204,100 average annual openings nationwide for Medication Aides.
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$2,516
- Time to complete2 to 8 weeks
- Credential earnedState Certificate
What you get back
- Starting salary$40,102
- Median salary$47,630
- Experienced salary$61,110
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Medication Aide in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Medication Aide program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Medication Aide tracks complete in 2 to 8 weeks and average $2,516 in tuition.
Earn your State Certificate
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly 204,100 Medication Aide openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
People also explored
Other careers our users compared
Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Medication Aide in California is $47,630 per year, which is $22.90 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $40,102 while experienced Medication Aides can earn up to $61,110 annually.
Next step
Find Medication Aide Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Medication Aide classes in your area.