RMA Career Outlook & Salary Information
Key Takeaways
The median annual wage for medical assistants was $45,690 in May 2025 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Medical assistant employment is projected to grow 13% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations
Pay varies by state and setting; outpatient care centers had the highest industry median ($48,560) in May 2025
Medical assistants work in physician offices (56%), hospitals (17%), outpatient care centers (10%), and offices of other health practitioners (8%) (BLS, 2025)
Many employers prefer or require certification, so the RMA can widen your job options
Career advancement options include office manager, clinical supervisor, EHR specialist, and further education toward nursing or physician assistant
BLS projects about 107,600 new medical assistant jobs from 2025 to 2035, with about 109,700 openings a year
Both RMA and CMA credentials are accepted by most employers, though some states and employers may prefer one over the other
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 (May 2025) | $45,690 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $21.97 |
| Bottom 10% | < $36,050 |
| Top 10% | > $59,310 |
| Total Employment (2025) | 833,900 |
| Job Growth (2025-2035) | 13% (much faster than average) |
| New Jobs Expected | ~107,600 by 2035 |
Salary by Work Setting
| Setting | Median Annual Wage (May 2025) | % of MAs (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Physician offices | $45,520 | 56% |
| Hospitals (state, local, private) | $46,910 | 17% |
| Outpatient care centers | $48,560 | 10% |
| Offices of other health practitioners | — | 8% |
Certification and Hiring
BLS does not publish pay by certification status. Certification demonstrates verified competency, and many employers prefer or require it.
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
What is the median annual salary for medical assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics?
$35,200
$39,800
$45,690
$52,500
What is the projected job growth rate for medical assistants from 2025 to 2035?
3% (as fast as average)
7% (faster than average)
13% (much faster than average)
18% (exceptionally fast)
Where do the MAJORITY (55%) of medical assistants work?
Hospitals
Physician offices
Outpatient care centers
Government facilities
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.