Healthcare San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Medical Assistant Salary in San Francisco, California

The median medical assistant salary in San Francisco, CA is $72,713 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median and 30.1% above the California state average.

City Median
$72,713
vs State Avg
+$16,839
vs National
+$34,443
Cost of Living
182%

Medical Assistant Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median medical assistant salary of $72,713, which is $16,839 above the California state average of $55,874. Compared to the national median of $38,270, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $72,713 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $39,952. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for medical assistants in San Francisco spans from $55,860 at the 10th percentile to $98,800 at the 90th percentile — a $42,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,000, while senior medical assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $91,200. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Medical Assistant Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $57,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $91,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,000
+$27,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,200
+$34,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$91,200
+$43,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $55,860
25th Percentile $63,080
Median (50th) $72,713
75th Percentile $85,120
90th Percentile $98,800

Medical Assistant Salary in Other California Cities

San Jose, CA
$67,355
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$58,936
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$57,405
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$48,220
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Medical Assistant in San Francisco

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. San Francisco 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 San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Medical Assistant Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open medical assistant positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Medical Assistant make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in San Francisco, California is $72,713 per year, which is 90.0% above the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $55,860 (10th percentile) to $98,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,713, a medical assistant in San Francisco earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for medical assistant pay? ▼
San Francisco's median medical assistant salary of $72,713 is 30.1% above the California state average of $55,874. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a medical assistant salary of $72,713 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant in San Francisco? ▼
Most medical assistant positions in San Francisco 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.