Key Takeaways
- The median annual salary for medical assistants is $44,200 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Medical assistant employment is projected to grow 12% from 2024-2034, much faster than the average for all occupations
- Top-paying states include Alaska, Washington, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and California
- Medical assistants work in physician offices (55%), hospitals (15%), outpatient care centers (9%), and other healthcare facilities
- RMA-certified medical assistants typically earn 5-15% more than non-certified medical assistants
- Career advancement options include office manager, clinical supervisor, EHR specialist, and further education toward nursing or physician assistant
- The healthcare industry is expected to add approximately 118,000 new medical assistant jobs by 2034
- Both RMA and CMA credentials are accepted by most employers, though some states and employers may prefer one over the other
Last updated: February 2026
RMA Career Outlook & Salary Information
Earning your RMA credential opens doors to a rewarding healthcare career with strong job growth and competitive compensation. Understanding the career landscape helps you set realistic expectations and plan your professional development.
Salary Overview (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $44,200 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $21.25 |
| Bottom 10% | < $30,800 |
| Top 10% | > $57,510 |
| Total Employment | ~780,000 nationwide |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 12% (much faster than average) |
| New Jobs Expected | ~118,000 by 2034 |
Salary by Work Setting
| Setting | Median Annual Salary | % of MAs |
|---|---|---|
| Physician offices | $42,600 | 55% |
| Hospitals (state, local, private) | $46,900 | 15% |
| Outpatient care centers | $47,200 | 9% |
| Other ambulatory healthcare | $44,100 | 8% |
| Government facilities | $48,500 | 3% |
Certified vs. Non-Certified Pay Difference
| Status | Average Annual Salary | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| RMA or CMA certified | $46,500 - $49,000 | +5-15% |
| Non-certified | $40,500 - $42,000 | Baseline |
Certification consistently commands higher pay because it demonstrates verified competency to employers. Many healthcare systems now require certification for employment.
Career Advancement Paths
Medical assistants with RMA certification have multiple career advancement opportunities:
- Clinical Lead / Supervisor: Oversee clinical staff, manage patient flow, ensure quality standards
- Office Manager / Practice Administrator: Handle operations, staffing, budgets, and compliance
- EHR / Health IT Specialist: Manage electronic health records systems, train staff, ensure data integrity
- Medical Coding / Billing Specialist: Transition into specialized coding (CPC, CCS) for higher pay
- Specialty Medical Assistant: Work in dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, or other specialties for higher compensation
- Patient Care Coordinator: Manage complex patient cases, coordinate referrals, handle care transitions
- Further Education: Use MA experience as a foundation for nursing (RN/BSN), physician assistant (PA), or health administration programs
Test Your Knowledge
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Test Your Knowledge
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Where do the MAJORITY (55%) of medical assistants work?
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