Medical Assistant: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Medical Assistants earn a national median of $44,200/yr with 12.5% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in English Language, Customer and Personal Service, Medicine and Dentistry.

Median Salary

$44,200

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

12.5%

Faster than average

Employed Nationally

793,460

2024 data

Typical Education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Medical Assistant

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Medical Assistant candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Social Perceptiveness 2 Active Listening 3 Speaking 4 Reading Comprehension 5 Critical Thinking 6 Monitoring 7 Coordination 8 Service Orientation 9 Writing 10 Active Learning

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Medical Assistant performance, based on verified occupational data.

English Language Customer and Personal Service Medicine and Dentistry Administrative Computers and Electronics

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Medical Assistant roles.

Epic Systems eClinicalWorks EHR software Intuit QuickBooks MEDITECH software

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow 12.5% for Medical Assistant roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's faster than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
793,460
Projected Growth
12.5%
Typical Education
Postsecondary nondegree award

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Medical Assistant do?
Medical Assistants apply expertise in English Language, Customer and Personal Service, Medicine and Dentistry to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension.
How much does a Medical Assistant make?
The national median salary for a Medical Assistant is $44,200 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Medical Assistant a good career in 2026?
Employment for Medical Assistant roles is projected to grow 12.5% over the 2024–2034 decade — faster than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 793,460 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Medical Assistant?
The typical entry-level education for a Medical Assistant is Postsecondary nondegree award. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Medical Assistants need?
The most important skills for Medical Assistant roles based on verified occupational data: Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Coordination, Service Orientation, Writing, Active Learning. Key tools and technologies include: Epic Systems, eClinicalWorks EHR software, Intuit QuickBooks, MEDITECH software.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.