Average Salary for a CMA in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a CMA matters a lot for career choices and financial planning.
"A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare worker who helps doctors and nurses care for patients. They work in clinics, hospitals, and doctors' offices, doing both office work and patient care tasks."
CMAs do many important jobs in healthcare settings. They take patients' vital signs, give injections, draw blood, and help with medical procedures. They also schedule appointments, update medical records, and handle insurance forms.
This mix of clinical and administrative work makes CMAs valuable team members in any medical practice.
Getting CMA certification requires completing an accredited medical assisting program and passing a national exam. This certification shows employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed to work safely with patients.
The certification must be renewed every few years through continuing education.
The healthcare field continues to grow rapidly, creating strong job opportunities for CMAs. An aging population means more people need medical care, which increases demand for medical assistants. This job security makes CMA a smart career choice for many people.
This blog covers everything about CMA salaries in 2025. We'll show you average pay, how experience affects earnings, and which states pay the most. You'll also learn practical tips to boost your income and get answers to common salary questions.
Whether you're considering CMA training or looking to earn more as a current CMA, this guide has the facts you need.
Average Salary for a CMA in the USA?
$44,200 per year (Average)
Based on data from several global salary surveys, government statistics, and major job platforms, the average CMA salary in 2025 is approximately $44,200 annually. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for medical assistants was $44,200 in May 2024.
Other sources show similar figures, with one report showing $44,720 per year or $21.50 per hour.
Different salary platforms report varying figures: some show certified medical assistants earning $45,865 per year, while hourly data shows an average of $21.19 per hour. When combining all reliable data sources and accounting for different experience levels and locations, the median falls near $44,200.
Compared to 2024, CMA salaries have increased by about 2-3% this year.
This growth reflects continued strong demand for healthcare workers and ongoing recovery in the healthcare sector following recent challenges.
Salary for a CMA Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: According to several global salary surveys and government statistics, CMAs in the USA earn around $44,200 annually. This represents approximately $21.50 per hour for full-time positions.
Salary range: Entry-level positions start around $18,430 per year, while experienced CMAs can earn up to $55,100 annually, according to BLS data. Other sources show ranges from $32,533 to $47,840 for certified medical assistants.
Salary by experience: Based on multiple U.S. data sources and surveys:
- Entry-level CMAs (1-2 years) earn approximately $32,000-$38,000 annually.
- Mid-level CMAs (3-7 years) average $42,000-$48,000.
- Senior CMAs with 8+ years of experience can earn $48,000-$55,000 in premium healthcare facilities.
75th percentile: According to many U.S. sources and industry reports, CMAs in the 75th percentile earn around $50,000-$55,000 annually. The top 10% of medical assistants make approximately $20.26 per hour, which equals about $42,140 annually.
Salary figures include base wages and may vary based on healthcare setting, geographic location, and additional certifications held.
Salary for a CMA: Regional Comparison
Regional differences significantly impact CMA earnings across the United States. State healthcare regulations, cost of living, healthcare demand, and local wage standards all affect earning potential. Areas with higher living costs and greater healthcare needs typically offer better compensation packages.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. states:
Data collected from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and multiple salary survey platforms as of 2025
Washington offers the highest CMA wages, making it the best state for maximum earning potential. However, the higher cost of living in Washington should be considered when evaluating total value.
For professionals interested in related healthcare careers, registered nurses and medical technicians also show strong earning potential in these same high-paying states.
7 Tips to Grow Your CMA Salary
1. Obtain Specialized Certifications: Getting additional certifications in areas like EKG, phlebotomy, or medical coding can increase earning potential by 15-25% according to industry reports. Specialized skills make CMAs more valuable to healthcare employers.
2. Work in Higher-Paying Healthcare Settings: Outpatient care centers pay CMAs an annual average of $51,550, while specialty hospitals pay an annual average of $50,270. These settings typically pay 15-20% more than general family practice clinics.
3. Pursue Advanced Medical Assistant Roles: Moving into supervisory or lead medical assistant positions can boost income by 20-30%. These roles often include training new staff and managing clinical operations, which command higher salaries.
4. Gain Experience in Multiple Specialties: CMAs who can work in different medical specialties like cardiology, dermatology, or orthopedics often earn 10-15% more than general practice assistants. Specialty knowledge makes you more marketable to employers.
5. Consider Urban Healthcare Markets: Working in metropolitan areas typically offers 25-40% higher salaries than rural locations. While living costs are higher, the salary increase often more than compensates for the additional expenses.
6. Develop Strong Administrative Skills: CMAs with excellent computer skills, insurance knowledge, and patient scheduling abilities often earn premium wages. These administrative competencies are highly valued in busy medical practices.
7. Pursue Continuing Education: Staying current with medical technology, procedures, and regulations through continuing education can lead to 5-10% salary increases. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for professional development.
FAQs | CMA's Salary
What is the average salary for a CMA in the USA?
The average CMA salary in the USA is approximately $44,200 per year in 2025. This figure is based on data from government statistics and multiple salary surveys across the healthcare industry.
Is the average CMA salary before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual salaries before taxes. Your take-home pay will be lower after federal, state, and local taxes are deducted from your total compensation.
Does the CMA salary include benefits?
Most CMA salary calculations show base wages only and do not include benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, or paid time off. Benefits typically add 20-30% to total compensation value.
What states pay CMAs the highest salaries?
Washington is the highest paying state for CMA jobs, followed by California, Alaska, and Massachusetts, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data and salary surveys.
How much do entry-level CMAs make?
Entry-level CMAs typically earn around $18,430 per year, though this can vary significantly based on location and healthcare setting. Most new CMAs start between $30,000-$35,000 annually.
Do CMAs with certifications make more money?
Yes, CMAs with additional certifications in specialised areas like phlebotomy, EKG, or medical coding typically earn 10-20% more than those with basic CMA certification only.
How does CMA pay compare to registered nurse salaries?
Registered nurses typically earn significantly more than CMAs due to their advanced education and expanded scope of practice. However, CMA training takes less time and costs less than nursing programs. Related healthcare roles, like licensed practical nurses, offer a middle ground between CMA and RN compensation levels.
Can CMAs work part-time and still earn good wages?
Yes, many CMAs work part-time and earn competitive hourly wages. The average hourly rate for CMAs is $21.19 per hour, making part-time work financially viable for many professionals.
What benefits do CMAs typically receive?
Full-time CMAs often receive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and continuing education funding. Many healthcare employers also offer employee discounts and flexible scheduling options.
How long does it take to become a certified CMA?
Most CMA programs take 9-24 months to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. After graduation, you must pass the national certification exam to become a certified CMA.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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