California ranks 8th of 51 states and D.C. for medical assistants pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($55,120) by $7,070 — a 15% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,610 to $75,180 — a $37,570 spread, 65% wider than the national $22,810 range.
California employs roughly 13.9% of all medical assistants in the country (110,350 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,610 | $18.08 |
| 25th percentile | $43,400 | $20.87 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,050 | $23.10 |
| 75th percentile | $60,700 | $29.18 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,180 | $36.15 |
| Mean (average) | $52,770 | $25.37 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $48,050 | n/a |
| Washington | $55,120 | +15% |
| Alaska | $51,860 | +8% |
| Oregon | $49,900 | +4% |
| District of Columbia | $49,740 | +4% |
| Minnesota | $49,380 | +3% |
| Hawaii | $48,820 | +2% |
| Massachusetts | $48,540 | +1% |
| New Hampshire | $48,040 | +0% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $47,940 | 4,090 |
| Office Clerks, General | $47,920 | 306,000 |
| Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers | $47,900 | 7,460 |
| Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | $47,870 | 8,560 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,840 | 6,860 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $47,790 | 183,350 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Medical Assistants salary in California?
The mean medical assistants salary in California is $52,770 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,050 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Medical Assistants in California?
Entry-level medical assistantss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $37,610 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $43,400 per year.
What is the highest Medical Assistants salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $75,180 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,700 per year.
How does the California Medical Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median medical assistants salary in California is $48,050, which is +9% above national average of $44,200.