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Medical Assistant Salary Guide 2026: MA Compensation Analysis

2026 medical assistant salary data by setting, certification, and experience.

HealthTal Team
3 min read
Medical Assistant Salary Guide 2026: MA Compensation Analysis
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Medical Assistant Salary Guide 2026: Complete Compensation Analysis

With 119K annual job openings and 14% projected growth, Medical Assistants remain in high demand. This guide provides employers with essential 2026 compensation benchmarking data.

2026 Medical Assistant Market Overview

Key Statistics

  • Total employment: 765K
  • Median salary: $42,000
  • Projected growth (2024-2034): 14%
  • Annual job openings: 119K

National Salary Distribution

| Percentile | Annual Salary | |------------|---------------| | 25th Percentile | $38,470 | | Median (50th) | $45,000 | | 75th Percentile | $52,870 | | 90th Percentile | $58,000 |

Salary by Experience Level

| Experience | Average Salary | |------------|----------------| | Entry Level (0-2 years) | $36,000 | | Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $42,000 | | Senior (8-15 years) | $48,000 | | Expert (15+ years) | $55,000 |

Salary by Practice Setting

| Setting | Average Salary | |---------|----------------| | Hospital | $46,000 | | Outpatient/Clinic | $44,000 | | Long-Term Care | $40,000 | | Home Health | $42,000 |

  1. Average salary increase: 4.2% year-over-year
  2. Sign-on bonuses: Common for experienced Medical Assistants
  3. Student loan repayment: Growing employer benefit
  4. Flexible scheduling: Premium for work-life balance

Building Competitive Packages

Essential Components

  • Competitive base salary: Benchmark to top 50% of market
  • Comprehensive benefits: Health, retirement, PTO
  • Professional development: CE reimbursement, certification support
  • Work-life balance: Flexible scheduling options

Differentiators

  • Student loan repayment programs
  • Mental health and wellness support
  • Career advancement pathways
  • Modern equipment and technology

Top-Paying States for Medical Assistants

Geographic variation in Medical Assistant salaries reflects cost of living and demand:

  1. California, Massachusetts, Washington - Premium markets
  2. Texas, Florida, Arizona - Growing markets with competitive pay
  3. Rural and underserved areas - Bonus potential

Key Takeaways

  • Median 2026 salary: $42,000
  • 14% growth ensures continued demand
  • Total compensation beyond base salary differentiates employers
  • Benefits innovation attracts top talent

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Medical Assistant salary in 2026?

The national median Medical Assistant salary in 2026 is $42,000, with variation by state, setting, and experience.

What benefits do Medical Assistants value most?

Beyond salary, Medical Assistants prioritize work-life balance, supportive management, professional development, and comprehensive health benefits.


Published: January 2026 | HealthTal Salary Research

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HealthTal Team

HealthTal Team

Healthcare Recruiting Experts

The HealthTal team consists of healthcare recruiting professionals, industry analysts, and HR specialists dedicated to helping healthcare organizations build exceptional teams.

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