Medical Assistant Salaries in California — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a medical assistant make in California? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $48,050/yr ($23.10/hr), with around 110,350 people working in this field statewide.
Medical Assistant salaries in California are above the national average by approximately $5,017. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push medical assistant pay higher in California.
California Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in California after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — California Medical Assistant Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the California median of $48,050.
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — California
Medical Assistant Salary Trend in California — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataMedical Assistant salaries in California have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in California's healthcare and physician offices.
Medical Assistant Salary by City — California
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $53,350 | $25.65 | +11.0% | 38,622 |
| San Francisco | $50,950 | $24.50 | +6.0% | 30,898 |
| San Diego | $49,500 | $23.80 | +3.0% | 19,863 |
| San Jose | $46,150 | $22.19 | -4.0% | 9,931 |
| Sacramento | $43,750 | $21.03 | -8.9% | 6,621 |
| Fresno | $41,800 | $20.10 | -13.0% | 4,414 |
Tip: Los Angeles offers the highest medical assistant salaries in California at $53,350/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
California vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, California sits in the mid-range for medical assistants.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. California has the highest state income tax rate in the US at up to 13.3%.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook in California
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for medical assistants in California is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the California job market. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push medical assistant pay higher in California.
How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in California
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in California typically adds $39,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Los Angeles pays medical assistants $53,350/yr — +11.0% above the California average. Simply relocating within California can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Medical Assistants who specialise in healthcare and physician offices typically command premium rates in California. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Oregon pays medical assistants $49,900/yr — 3.9% vs California.
Find Medical Assistant Jobs in California
Live ListingsSearch current medical assistant job vacancies in California:
🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in California — Indeed→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in California — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs — Los Angeles, CA→