📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Medical Assistant Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$57,794
per year
Median
$54,343
per year
Hourly
$27.79
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$43,242
25th Percentile — Junior$50,864
50th Percentile — Median$54,343
75th Percentile — Senior$68,015
90th Percentile — Top Earners$73,093
💡 Top-earning Medical Assistants in California make up to $73,093 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$43.6k
2021
$46.1k
2022
$48.8k
2023
$51.6k
2024
$54.6k
2025
$57.8k
2026
📈 Medical Assistant salaries in California have followed the national trend with 5.8% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Medical Assistant Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $89,581 +55.0% Very High
San Diego $85,535 +48.0% Very High
San Jose $99,406 +72.0% Very High
San Francisco $106,919 +85.0% Very High
Fresno $62,418 +8.0% Very High
Sacramento $70,509 +22.0% Very High
Long Beach $83,801 +45.0% Very High
Bakersfield $62,418 +8.0% Very High
Anaheim $82,067 +42.0% Very High
Santa Ana $80,912 +40.0% Very High
Riverside $73,976 +28.0% Very High
Stockton $68,197 +18.0% Very High
Irvine $89,581 +55.0% Very High
San Bernardino $68,197 +18.0% Very High
Modesto $64,729 +12.0% Very High
Fontana $70,509 +22.0% Very High
Moreno Valley $66,463 +15.0% Very High
Glendale $85,535 +48.0% Very High
Fremont $92,470 +60.0% Very High
🔍
Medical Assistant Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Medical Assistants. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $57,794 per year, California's Medical Assistant salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $43,242–$50,864, while experienced Medical Assistants can command $68,015–$73,093.

Looking ahead, the Medical Assistant profession in California is projected to grow at 5.8% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Medical Assistant salary in California is $57,794 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $40,700.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Medical Assistants the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Medical Assistant employment.
  • At $57,794/year, California Medical Assistant salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $40,700/year.