Research Summary. The Zippia data team has analyzed a combination of public government statistics, company reports, and thousands of job postings to estimate average salaries for medical assistant roles across the United States. Our findings highlight the highest-paying types of medical assistants based on their average annual salaries.
Here’s a summary of our findings for the highest-paying medical assistant positions:
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Optometric Assistant ranks as the highest-paid medical assistant, with an average salary of $98,734 and an hourly rate of $47.47.
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The second highest-paying position is Medical Intern, earning an average salary of $50,843.
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The average salary for medical assistants overall is $34,900 annually, translating to an hourly wage of $16.78.
Table of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the sole factor in your decision-making process. Understanding the highest-paying medical assistant roles can help you strategically plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for various types of medical assistants:
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Optometric Assistant
Average Salary: $98,734
An optometric assistant performs various support tasks for optometrists, ensuring smooth clinic operations. Responsibilities include greeting patients, assessing their eye care needs, preparing them for vision tests, and administering eye drops. They also handle clerical tasks such as managing patient records, processing documents, and liaising with suppliers. In addition, they may assist with adjusting and repairing glasses as needed.
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Medical Internship
Average Salary: $50,843
During a medical internship, interns support patient care under the supervision of experienced physicians. Their duties include rotating through various specialties, documenting medical histories, and participating in patient cases.
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Medical Assistant Instructor
Average Salary: $40,698
Medical assistant instructors support educational programs by preparing materials and assisting students. They act as liaisons between instructors and students, helping with inquiries and managing records.
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Medical Research Assistant
Average Salary: $40,303
A medical research assistant supports laboratory work, including sample management, data collection, and compliance with laboratory protocols. They collaborate with researchers to streamline workflow and maintain accurate records.
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Lead Medical Assistant
Average Salary: $38,303
A lead medical assistant oversees clinical teams and manages administrative tasks. Responsibilities include scheduling, training new staff, patient follow-up, and assisting with clinical operations.
Below is a full table of the average pay for the highest-paying medical assistant roles, followed by a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types of Medical Assistants
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to formulate its salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company resources to provide additional up-to-date salary information for medical assistants.
After gathering data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title. For more detailed information about our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types of Medical Assistant Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid medical assistant job?
The highest-paid medical assistant position is that of an optometric assistant. Optometric Assistants earn an average salary of $98,734, which equates to $47.47 per hour.
Optometric assistants perform a range of support tasks to assist optometrists and ensure efficient clinic operations. They greet patients, assess their eye care needs, prepare them for vision tests, and administer eye drops. Clerical responsibilities include managing patient records, processing documents, and collaborating with external partners.
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What is a good salary for a medical assistant?
A good salary for a medical assistant is $34,900 or more. This is the average salary, meaning those earning at least this amount are making above-average paychecks.
However, it’s important to note that medical assistant salaries can vary by location, reflecting regional cost-of-living differences. Research the average salary in your area based on your experience level for a more accurate perspective on your compensation.
For entry-level medical assistants, the average starting salary is approximately $32,129, so consider this when evaluating your salary against the overall average.
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Do medical assistant jobs pay well?
No, medical assistant jobs generally do not pay well. While some positions offer better compensation than others, the average medical assistant salary of $34,900 is below the average national salary of around $44,225 per year.
That said, many medical assistant roles have potential for higher earnings, with the top 10% earning an average of $41,630 annually.
Salaries for medical assistants can fluctuate based on experience, industry, and location. Research the going rate for your specific area and expertise, and be prepared to negotiate your salary accordingly.
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Where do medical assistants earn the most?
Medical assistants earn the highest salaries in Washington. In Washington, the average annual salary for medical assistants is $45,025, which equates to an hourly wage of $21.65.
Following Washington, other top-paying states for medical assistants include Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Alaska, with average annual salaries of $39,735, $38,059, and $46,918, respectively.
The cities with the highest medical assistant salaries are:
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Vancouver, WA – $45,301
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Portland, OR – $42,188
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San Francisco, CA – $40,969
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
