Highest Paying Medical Assistant Specialties & Jobs for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing careers in healthcare—but not all medical assistant roles are created equal. While many enter the field through a generalist path, specializing in a high-demand area can significantly boost your salary and career advancement opportunities.

In this guide, we will explore the top-paying medical assistant specialties and jobs for 2025, what they involve, how much you can expect to earn, and what it takes to get there. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this expert breakdown will help you make informed decisions about your future in healthcare.

Key Things You Should Know About the Highest Paying Medical Assistant Specialties and Jobs

Medical assistants who pursue specialty roles—such as surgical assisting, dermatology, or cardiology—can earn substantially more than general medical assistants. These roles often require additional certifications or experience but pay off with higher wages and greater job security.
Obtaining certifications like Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is often a key factor in qualifying for higher-paying positions. Employers tend to favor certified professionals, especially for specialty roles, and certified medical assistants typically earn more than their non-certified peers.
Having an associate degree in medical assisting or a related healthcare field can lead to better-paying jobs and leadership roles, such as clinical team lead or medical office manager. Likewise, gaining hands-on experience in a specific specialty can make you more competitive and boost your earning potential.
Geographic location plays a huge role in how much you can earn. Medical assistants in states like California, Washington, and Massachusetts tend to earn more due to higher demand and cost of living, especially in urban or hospital-based settings.
Medical assistants can grow into roles like healthcare administrator, nursing assistant, or even physician assistant with additional education and experience. Understanding your options early allows you to plan a career path that aligns with your financial and personal goals.

What is a medical assistant?
How do you become a medical assistant for 2025?
What are the highest-paying medical assistant specialties?
Do medical assistants earn more in hospitals or private clinics?
What are the highest-paying states for medical assistants?
Does getting certified increase a medical assistant’s salary?
What’s the salary difference between CMA and RMA?
How can I choose a high-quality training program for advanced medical assisting roles?
What affordable advanced degree options can boost a medical assistant’s career?
How can medical assistants effectively negotiate a higher salary?
Are Complementary Management Skills Enhancing Medical Assistant Careers?
What are the best certifications for higher-paying medical assistant jobs?
What are the top career advancement options for medical assistants?
What is the job outlook for medical assistants?
Other Things You Should Know About the Highest Paying Medical Assistant Specialties and Jobs

What is a medical assistant?

A medical assistant is a healthcare professional trained to perform both clinical and administrative tasks in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, physician’s offices, and outpatient clinics. Their responsibilities typically include taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, assisting with examinations, scheduling appointments, handling billing, and managing medical records.

Medical assistants serve as a vital bridge between patients and providers, ensuring smooth workflow and quality patient care. While they are not licensed to diagnose or treat, their versatile skill set and ability to multitask make them essential members of the healthcare team. Medical assistants held about 783,900 jobs in 2023, of which the offices of physicians had 56% share.

Medical assistants are employed in a wide range of healthcare settings, but some work environments offer more opportunities, stability, or higher pay than others. The chart below highlights the top employers of medical assistants based on industry.

How do you become a medical assistant for 2025?

To become a medical assistant, you typically follow these steps:

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

This is the minimum educational requirement to enter most medical assistant training programs.

2. Complete a Medical Assistant Training Program

Most aspiring medical assistants enroll in a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program from an accredited school. These programs usually take:

9–12 months for a certificate or diploma
18–24 months for an associate degree Training includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience in areas like anatomy, medical terminology, phlebotomy, and administrative procedures. You may also choose from the affordable online medical assistant programs.

3. Get Certified (Optional but Recommended)

While certification isn’t required in all states, most employers prefer it. Popular certifications include:

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from AAMA
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from AMT
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from NCCT
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from NHA Certification usually requires graduating from an accredited program and passing an exam.

4. Gain Practical Experience

Some programs offer externships. Alternatively, entry-level positions help you gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

With experience, you can specialize in areas like cardiology, dermatology, or OB/GYN, or pursue further education to become a nurse, healthcare administrator, or physician assistant.

What are the highest-paying medical assistant specialties?

These medical assistant specialties offer strong earning potential due to demand, skill level, and the complexity of the work environment.

1. Cardiology Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000 per year

Cardiology medical assistants work alongside cardiologists to assist in heart-related diagnostics and patient care, including EKGs, stress testing, and monitoring vital signs. Due to the complexity of cardiac care, these roles demand more technical skills and tend to offer higher salaries.

2. Podiatry Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $42,000 – $55,000 per year

Podiatry medical assistants support podiatrists in treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower legs, often assisting with minor surgical procedures and wound care. Specialized knowledge in orthotic devices and diabetic foot care makes this role both in-demand and better-paid.

3. Dermatology Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $43,000 – $57,000 per year

Dermatology medical assistants aid in clinical and cosmetic dermatology procedures, including biopsies, laser treatments, and acne therapy. Their ability to support both medical and aesthetic services contributes to higher compensation levels.

4. Oncology Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $46,000 – $60,000 per year

Oncology medical assistants help oncologists with cancer treatment preparation, patient support, and medication tracking, often dealing with sensitive patient care scenarios. Their role requires emotional resilience and understanding of specialized therapies, justifying the elevated pay.

5. Orthopedic Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $44,000 – $58,000 per year

Orthopedic medical assistants work with orthopedic surgeons and specialists, handling tasks such as cast application, suture removal, and X-ray preparation. Their hands-on involvement in injury treatment and surgical prep makes them valuable in high-volume practices.

6. Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $43,000 – $55,000 per year

OB/GYN medical assistants provide support in women’s health, assisting with prenatal exams, Pap smears, and ultrasounds. Their expertise in reproductive care and patient communication makes them vital to obstetrics practices.

7. Endocrinology Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $42,000 – $54,000 per year

Endocrinology medical assistants focus on hormone-related disorders like diabetes and thyroid dysfunction, often managing lab work, patient education, and medication monitoring. Their role in long-term chronic care boosts their value and salary.

8. Pain Management Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $45,000 – $59,000 per year

These assistants help manage patients with chronic pain through coordinated care plans, medication support, and minimally invasive procedures. High patient volume and complex care demands lead to above-average compensation.

9. Gastroenterology Medical Assistant

Salary Range: $43,000 – $56,000 per year

Medical assistants in this specialty support procedures such as endoscopies and colonoscopies while preparing patients and equipment. The technical nature of the specialty and demand for digestive health services elevate the pay scale.

10. Surgical Medical Assistant (Outpatient)

Salary Range: $47,000 – $60,000 per year

Outpatient surgical medical assistants work in ambulatory surgical centers, assisting in minor surgical procedures, pre-op prep, and post-op care. Their skill set is broader than general MAs, contributing to their higher salaries.

Highest-paying medical assistant specialty

Do medical assistants earn more in hospitals or private clinics?

Medical assistants generally earn more in hospitals than in private clinics. Here's why:

1. Average Salary Comparison:

Hospitals (state, local, or private): $42,000 – $50,000/year
Private Clinics and Physician Offices: $36,000 – $44,000/year

2. Why Hospitals Pay More:

Hospitals often have larger budgets and offer shift differentials for evenings, weekends, or overnight work.
They may require broader skill sets and expose medical assistants to more complex medical procedures.
Medical assistant benefits in hospital settings also tend to be more robust, often including health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and retirement plans.

3. Trade-Offs:

Private clinics may offer a more regular 9-to-5 schedule and a less hectic pace.
Hospitals may require longer shifts, on-call hours, or working holidays, but they offer more career growth opportunities.

If maximizing salary is your priority, hospitals are typically the better-paying option. But if you value predictable hours and a smaller team, private clinics might suit you better.

What are the highest-paying states for medical assistants?

The highest-paying states for medical assistants tend to be those with a high cost of living or strong demand for healthcare workers. While most workers are graduates of medical assistant trade school programs, the job location still makes a significant difference in salary.

Here's a list of the top-paying states, along with average annual salary estimates and a quick note on why they pay more.

1. California

Average Salary: $47,000 – $58,000/year

California leads the nation due to its high cost of living and strong demand in urban areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.

2. Washington

Average Salary: $45,000 – $55,000/year

With robust healthcare systems and higher state minimum wages, Washington offers some of the best pay for medical assistants, especially in Seattle.

3. Massachusetts

Average Salary: $44,000 – $54,000/year

Massachusetts is home to top hospitals and medical research centers, boosting demand and wages for qualified medical assistants.

4. Oregon

Average Salary: $43,000 – $53,000/year

Oregon offers competitive salaries, especially in Portland, driven by a strong healthcare infrastructure and a rising cost of living.

5. Alaska

Average Salary: $45,000 – $52,000/year

Higher wages compensate for the remote location and limited access to healthcare professionals in many parts of the state.

6. New York

Average Salary: $42,000 – $51,000/year

Medical assistants in metro areas like NYC and Long Island earn more due to the dense population and higher operational costs.

7. Minnesota

Average Salary: $41,000 – $50,000/year

Minnesota boasts strong healthcare networks and a relatively high baseline wage, especially in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

8. Connecticut

Average Salary: $41,000 – $49,000/year

Proximity to major metropolitan centers and healthcare hubs like Yale New Haven Hospital contributes to higher pay rates.

9. Colorado

Average Salary: $40,000 – $49,000/year

Colorado’s growing population and expanding healthcare systems fuel demand and higher wages for medical assistants.

10. Hawaii

Average Salary: $43,000 – $50,000/year

Like Alaska, Hawaii pays more to account for the high cost of living and the challenges of healthcare staffing in island regions.

Does getting certified increase a medical assistant’s salary?

Yes, getting certified as a medical assistant can increase your salary. Certified medical assistants (CMAs) generally earn more than non-certified medical assistants due to the advanced skills and credibility that certification provides. If you want to know more about medical assistant specialties, look for colleges that provide information on how to become a certified medical assistant.

As of May 2024, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $44,200, meaning half of all workers in the field earned more than that amount, while the other half earned less. The bottom 10% earned below $35,020, whereas the top 10% made over $57,830 annually.

Here’s how certifications can affect salary:

1. Salary Difference:

Certified Medical Assistants (CMA): $42,000 – $58,000/year
Non-Certified Medical Assistants: $36,000 – $47,000/year

2. Why Certification Increases Salary:

Higher Demand: Certification demonstrates that you have completed a recognized program and passed an exam, which employers value.
Greater Job Opportunities: Some healthcare facilities require certification for certain positions, especially in specialized roles.
Career Advancement: Certified medical assistants may have better opportunities for promotion, raises, or access to higher-paying specialties like cardiology or dermatology.

3. Benefits of Certification:

Nationally Recognized Credentials: Certification from organizations like the AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) or AMT (American Medical Technologists) enhances your resume.
Increased Job Security: Certified MAs are often seen as more competent and reliable, which can lead to more job offers.
Employer Preference: Many healthcare employers prefer or require certification for hiring, and some offer higher pay to certified professionals.

Median annual salary of medical assistants

What’s the salary difference between CMA and RMA?

The salary difference between a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is typically minimal, as both certifications are recognized and respected in the healthcare field. However, there may be slight variations in medical assistant salary based on employer preference and region.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Average Salary: $42,000 – $58,000/year
The CMA is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and typically, CMAs are seen as highly qualified due to their comprehensive certification process and exam.

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Average Salary: $40,000 – $56,000/year
The RMA is awarded by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), and while it holds equivalent weight in the industry, some employers may have preferences for one over the other based on their own standards or location.

Key Differences:

CMA (AAMA) tends to be slightly more widely recognized in certain areas, particularly in larger hospitals or healthcare systems.
RMA (AMT) may be preferred in different regions or by specific employers, but salary differences are usually small.

How can I choose a high-quality training program for advanced medical assisting roles?

When evaluating training programs, consider factors such as program accreditation, curriculum depth, hands-on clinical training, and post-graduation support services. Analyze program outcomes and job placement rates to ensure the education aligns with industry demands. For candidates interested in administrative or coding tracks, exploring programs that offer specialized courses—like those in accredited medical billing and coding programs—can provide a competitive edge without duplicating existing content.

What affordable advanced degree options can boost a medical assistant’s career?

Advanced academic credentials, such as an online public health degree, open doors to leadership roles and healthcare administration. These programs emphasize health policy, statistical analysis, and strategic planning, which can enhance decision-making and broaden career scope. For a cost-effective way to pursue further education, consider the cheapest online health science degree. Earning an advanced degree not only deepens industry knowledge but also strengthens competitive positioning for roles with greater responsibility and long-term growth opportunities.

How can medical assistants effectively negotiate a higher salary?

Medical assistants can increase their earning potential by strategically negotiating salary and benefits. Start by conducting thorough market research to understand local salary trends and be ready with documented achievements that demonstrate your value. Highlight specialized skills and any advanced certifications during negotiations to strengthen your case. Present concrete examples of efficiency improvements or patient care enhancements you have contributed. Additionally, consider exploring leadership or administrative roles as long-term strategies, such as transitioning into positions that align with the best paying jobs in healthcare administration. Engaging in continuous professional development and networking with industry peers can further bolster your negotiating position.

Are Complementary Management Skills Enhancing Medical Assistant Careers?

Medical assistants seeking to broaden their career prospects may benefit from acquiring complementary management skills that extend beyond clinical expertise. Integrating principles from healthcare administration, business strategy, and operations management can prepare professionals for roles in practice leadership, clinic management, or even niche areas such as sports medicine. Developing these additional skills can lead to enhanced decision-making and improved efficiency in fast-paced clinical environments. For example, some professionals explore cross-disciplinary education by pursuing an affordable sports management degree online to gain insights into operational dynamics, customer relations, and revenue optimization in sports-related healthcare settings.

What are the best certifications for higher-paying medical assistant jobs?

To qualify for higher-paying medical assistant specialties, getting the right certifications is crucial. Below are the best certifications that can significantly increase your earning potential and help you access specialized, high-paying roles in the healthcare industry.

1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Awarded by: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Average Salary: $42,000 – $58,000/year

The CMA is one of the most widely recognized certifications. It covers both administrative and clinical skills, making CMAs highly sought after in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, and outpatient clinics.

2. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Awarded by: American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Average Salary: $40,000 – $56,000/year

The RMA is another top-tier certification. It’s recognized nationally and demonstrates a strong level of competence in both clinical and administrative medical assistant duties.

3. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Awarded by: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Average Salary: $40,000 – $55,000/year

The CCMA focuses more on the clinical side of medical assisting, including direct patient care, lab procedures, and assisting with medical procedures. It’s a great option for those who want to specialize in clinical tasks and patient interaction. In the CCMA vs CMA debate, the CCMA is often preferred for hands-on clinical roles, especially in fast-paced environments like urgent care or specialty clinics.

4. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Awarded by: National Healthcareer Association (NHA), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Average Salary: $45,000 – $58,000/year (with additional phlebotomy duties)

Medical assistants who specialize in phlebotomy (drawing blood) are highly valued, and earning a CPT certification can significantly boost your pay. Phlebotomy is a high-demand skill, and many healthcare settings are willing to pay more for qualified professionals.

5. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Awarded by: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
Average Salary: $38,000 – $53,000/year

If you prefer the administrative side of medical assisting, the CMAA certification will help you stand out. This certification focuses on office management, billing, coding, and healthcare compliance.

What are the top career advancement options for medical assistants?

Medical assistants (MAs) have a variety of career advancement opportunities, especially if they seek to specialize, gain additional certifications, or take on more responsibility within healthcare settings. Here are the top career advancement options for medical assistants, along with the potential benefits and salary increases.

Medical Office Manager

Medical office managers oversee the daily operations of medical practices, clinics, or hospitals, handling tasks like scheduling, billing, staff management, and patient relations. It involves a mix of administrative and managerial duties, making it a natural progression for those with strong organizational skills.

Clinical Supervisor

Clinical supervisors are responsible for overseeing the clinical side of a healthcare practice or department. This role, which requires the completion of medical assistant programs, involves supervising medical assistants, ensuring that clinical tasks are completed accurately, and training new staff. It requires both clinical expertise and leadership skills.

Physician’s Assistant (PA)

Becoming a physician's assistant (PA) requires additional schooling and training, but it’s one of the most common career advancement options for medical assistants. PAs work alongside physicians to diagnose and treat patients, write prescriptions, and perform medical procedures.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners have advanced education and can work independently in diagnosing and treating medical conditions, prescribing medications, and offering comprehensive care. Many medical assistants transition into to become NPs through medical assistant to LPN programs, especially if they want to focus more on patient care.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Medical assistants can transition into the specialized field of medical billing and coding, which involves translating healthcare services into codes used for insurance billing and reimbursement. This career path typically requires obtaining certifications in coding (such as Certified Professional Coder, CPC).

Employment outlook for medical assistants

What is the job outlook for medical assistants?

The job outlook for medical assistants is highly favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow by 15% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to result in approximately 119,800 job openings each year, driven by factors such as the expansion of healthcare facilities and the need to replace workers who retire or transition to other roles.

Understanding the difference between CPC and CCS certifications can be valuable for medical assistants considering a pivot toward medical coding, a field that also sees strong demand due to growing volumes of health data and billing requirements.

This robust demand is fueled by an aging population requiring more medical services and the increasing emphasis on preventive care. Medical assistants play a crucial role in supporting physicians and ensuring efficient healthcare delivery, making this profession a stable and promising career choice.

For those planning to advance or specialize, knowing the certified professional coder requirements—such as education, coding coursework, and passing the AAPC certification exam—can open new doors in administrative or coding-focused healthcare roles.

Here's what professionals have to say about the highest paying medical assistant specialties

Becoming a medical assistant changed my life—it gave me a stable career with real purpose. I get to work directly with patients every day, making a difference while also having the flexibility to grow professionally. The combination of compassion and clinical skill in this role is incredibly rewarding. Jasmine

After earning my associate degree, I quickly found a full-time position at a busy cardiology clinic. The hands-on training and fast-paced environment keep me energized, and the job security in healthcare has been a huge relief for my family. I love knowing I’m part of a team that saves lives. Carlos

Starting out as a medical assistant gave me a clear path into healthcare without years of schooling. I’ve now specialized in dermatology, and the variety of tasks I handle keeps every day interesting. Seeing patients feel better and smile again is the best part of my job. Lena

Key Findings

Employment for medical assistants is expected to increase by 15% between 2023 and 2033, a rate significantly faster than the average across all occupations.
Each year, an estimated 119,800 job openings are projected for medical assistants, driven by growth in healthcare demand and workforce turnover.
Medical assistants held about 783,900 jobs in 2023, of which the offices of physicians had 56% share.
As of May 2024, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $44,200, meaning half of all workers in the field earned more than that amount, while the other half earned less.
The bottom 10% of medical assistants in 2024 earned below $35,020, whereas the top 10% made over $57,830 annually as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Other Things You Should Know About the Highest Paying Medical Assistant Specialties and Jobs

Do associate degrees help medical assistants earn more?

Yes, obtaining an associate degree can help medical assistants earn more, as it often qualifies them for higher-paying roles and advanced certifications. Medical assistants with an associate degree are typically eligible for positions with more responsibilities, such as clinical supervisors or office managers, which come with higher salaries. Additionally, the degree may open up opportunities for specialization in higher-paying areas within healthcare.

Is online training effective for specialty medical assistant roles?

Yes, online training can be highly effective for specialty medical assistant roles, especially when the program is accredited and includes hands-on externships or clinical training. It offers flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace while gaining specialized knowledge in areas like phlebotomy, EKG, or medical coding. However, it's crucial to ensure the program includes sufficient practical experience to complement the theoretical learning.

What is the highest level of medical assistant?

The highest level of medical assistant typically involves becoming a Medical Assistant Instructor or pursuing advanced certifications such as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) with specialized expertise in areas like surgical assisting or medical office management. Additionally, some medical assistants advance by obtaining managerial roles, such as medical office manager or transitioning to roles like clinical supervisor, which require additional training and leadership skills. These roles often come with higher salaries and more responsibilities.

What degree is best for medical assistant?

The best degree for a medical assistant is typically an Associate of Science in Medical Assisting or a related healthcare field. This degree provides a well-rounded education in both clinical and administrative tasks, preparing students for certification exams and specialized roles in medical offices, clinics, or hospitals. While a certificate program may suffice for entry-level positions, an associate degree offers greater career opportunities, higher earning potential, and advancement options.