Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Medical Assistant Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median medical assistant salary in Los Angeles, CA is $58,936 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$58,936
vs State Avg
+$3,062
vs National
+$20,666
Cost of Living
146%

Medical Assistant Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median medical assistant salary of $58,936, which is $3,062 above the California state average of $55,874. Compared to the national median of $38,270, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $58,936 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $40,367. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for medical assistants in Los Angeles spans from $45,276 at the 10th percentile to $80,080 at the 90th percentile — a $34,804 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior medical assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Medical Assistant Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
+$16,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,520
+$20,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,920
+$25,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $45,276
25th Percentile $51,128
Median (50th) $58,936
75th Percentile $68,992
90th Percentile $80,080

Medical Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$72,713
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$67,355
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$57,405
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$48,220
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Los Angeles

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Vital SignsPatient PrepMedical TerminologyEMR SystemsPhlebotomyScheduling

Job Outlook

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Medical Assistant Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open medical assistant positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in Los Angeles, California is $58,936 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $45,276 (10th percentile) to $80,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,936, a medical assistant in Los Angeles earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for medical assistant pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median medical assistant salary of $58,936 is 5.5% above the California state average of $55,874. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a medical assistant salary of $58,936 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant in Los Angeles? ▼
Most medical assistant positions in Los Angeles require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Vital Signs, Patient Prep, Medical Terminology, EMR Systems. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.