How to become medical assistantseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$45,690
25th–75th pct. $38,470–$49,180
Top pay (est.)
$77,100
Top 10% $59,310
Pay in 5 years
$54,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$64,400est.
$55,400–$74,800
Outlook score
63/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
43%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+12.9%
110K openings / yr
How to become medical assistants
Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Medical Assistants
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsAssisting and Caring for OthersProcessing InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Important abilities
Oral ComprehensionOral ExpressionNear VisionProblem SensitivityWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as medical assistants
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.