Medical Assistant Salary in California (2026)

Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.

Median Annual Salary$49,660
Median Hourly Wage$23.88
National Median$44,846
Jobs in California117,060

Medical Assistant Salary in California vs. National Average

CaliforniaNationalDifference
Median annual salary$49,660$44,846+11%
Median hourly wage$23.88$21.56+11%

Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $44,860.

Medical Assistant Salary in Top California Cities

CityMedianEntry LevelExperiencedCost of Living
City-level data coming soon.

FAQ

How much does a Medical Assistant make in California?

The median annual salary for a Medical Assistant in California is $49,660, or about $23.88 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.

How does this compare to the national average?

The national median for Medical Assistants is $44,846. California is +11% above the national median.

What is the entry-level salary for a Medical Assistant in California?

Entry-level medical assistants in California typically earn from varies by experience depending on the city and employer.

Is California a good state for medical assistants?

With 117,060 medical assistant jobs on record and a median salary of $49,660, California offers above-average pay compared to the rest of the country.