What Are the Highest-Paying Medical Assistant Specialties in 2025?

In 2025, Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) will continue to be one of the most in-demand healthcare roles in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants was $44,210 in May 2023 — about $21.26/hour — with the top 10% earning more than $57,890/year.

Not all medical assistant jobs pay equally. Your specialty, location, and credentials can significantly affect your income. In this guide, we’ll explore the highest-paying medical assistant specialties, best states to work in, and top strategies to increase your salary — along with how CCI Training can help you get started in this rewarding career.

Top 7 Highest-Paying Medical Assistant Categories

While the BLS does not track wages by specialty (like podiatry or cardiology), it does publish pay data by industry. These are the seven highest-paying industries for medical assistants:

1. Scientific Research and Development Services 

Medical assistants in research and development work in laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, or biotech firms. They assist in clinical trials, prepare samples, and manage patient or participant data. The higher pay comes from the specialized knowledge and regulatory compliance these jobs require.

Graduates from the CCI Training Medical Assistant Program can pursue research roles by combining clinical skills with lab training.

2. Junior Colleges

In this setting, MAs often work as medical assisting instructors or in campus health centers. The work environment is generally predictable, with set hours and strong benefits. Educators are valued for their expertise in both clinical and administrative tasks.

3. Outpatient Care Centers 

These centers include surgical clinics, urgent care facilities, and specialty outpatient hospitals. MAs here assist with more complex procedures than in standard doctors’ offices, which boosts pay.

Students from CCI Training receive both administrative and clinical training, making them strong candidates for these roles.

4. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals

Hospitals employ MAs in various departments, from cardiology units to emergency rooms. The pace is fast, and MAs often work alongside nurses and physicians, performing both clinical and administrative duties. Evening or weekend shifts can come with pay differentials.

5. Specialty Hospitals (Excluding Psychiatric & Substance Abuse) 

Specialty hospitals focus on areas like orthopedics, heart health, or cancer care. MAs in these facilities often need specialized skills—such as EKG monitoring or assisting with surgical prep—which can lead to higher salaries.

6. Offices of Physicians 

This is the most common work setting for MAs, but specialty practices within this category—such as cardiology, podiatry, or plastic surgery—often pay more than general family practices.

7. Offices of Other Health Practitioners 

These include chiropractic, optometry, and physical therapy offices. While these jobs may pay less, they can offer stable hours and a less stressful environment—ideal for those prioritizing work-life balance over maximum earnings.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the highest paid medical assistant opportunities, target industries like research, outpatient surgical centers, and specialty hospitals, and pair that with CMA certification.

Best-Paying States & Cities for Medical Assistants

Medical assistants can significantly boost their earning potential by choosing to work in states with higher demand and better compensation. Below are the top five highest-paying states for medical assistants, along with their annual mean wages:

Top 5 States

Major metropolitan areas often outpace state averages when it comes to salaries. These high-paying cities typically have large hospital networks, specialty clinics, and research facilities that require skilled CMAs.

Top 5 Metropolitan Areas

The following metro areas report the highest average annual wages for medical assistants, according to the report.

Insight: California dominates the metro list, but Washington State offers high statewide averages without California’s high living costs.

Training and Certification Path for High-Paying Medical Assistant Roles

One of the fastest ways to qualify for good-paying medical assistant jobs is to complete a structured training program and earn your CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) credential. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that most employers prefer candidates with postsecondary education in medical assisting.

A typical certification path includes:

• Completing an accredited Medical Assistant Program like the one offered at CCI Training.
• Passing the CMA exam or other recognized certifications such as RMA (Registered Medical Assistant).
• Gaining hands-on clinical and administrative experience through internships or externships.

Certification not only increases your chances of finding medical assistant jobs hiring now but also can lead to higher starting salaries and quicker advancement.

Skills That Boost Your Earning Potential as a Medical Assistant

While location and industry are important, the skills you bring to the job can directly affect your salary. Employers hiring medical administrative assistants and clinical MAs often look for candidates who can handle both patient care and office responsibilities.

High-value skills include:

• Clinical Competencies: Phlebotomy, EKG administration, vital signs monitoring, and patient education.
• Administrative Expertise: Scheduling, insurance billing & coding, and electronic health record (EHR) management.
• Soft Skills: Communication, empathy, and teamwork are essential for patient satisfaction and team efficiency.
• Technical Skills: Comfort with telehealth platforms and medical office software.

By developing a mix of these abilities, you can qualify for the highest-paying medical assistant jobs and stand out in competitive job markets.

How to Increase Your Salary as a Medical Assistant

1. Earn Your CMA Certification – Graduates from CCI Training’s Medical Assistant Program are prepared for top-paying roles.
2. Choose High-Paying Industries – Consider research, education, or outpatient care settings.
3. Relocate to High-Paying States – Washington, D.C., and Alaska lead the list.
4. Work in Large Metro Areas – Urban centers offer higher pay scales.
5. Gain Administrative & Clinical Skills – Dual competency increases value to employers.

Future Outlook for Medical Assistant Careers (2025–2033)

The BLS projects 15% job growth for medical assistants from 2023 to 2033 — much faster than the average for all occupations — with 119,800 openings per year. This growth is driven by:

• Aging population – Increased demand for care for elderly patients.
• Shift to outpatient care – More clinics and outpatient centers are expanding.
• Technology integration – Proficiency in EHR and telehealth will be in demand.
• Versatility – MAs can work in administrative, clinical, and specialty settings, offering flexibility.

Completing a formal training program like CCI Training’s Medical Assistant Program can prepare you to meet these growing opportunities.

Conclusion

Medical assisting is a stable, high-demand career with strong salary potential, especially in certain industries, states, and metro areas. Choosing the right path and building the right skills can put you well above the national median pay.

If you’re ready to start or grow your career as a Certified Medical Assistant, CCI Training offers comprehensive programs to prepare you for in-demand roles.

Get started today: Apply to CCI Training’s Medical Assistant Program and step into a rewarding, well-paying healthcare career.