Healthcare Salem, OR Pop. 175,535

Medical Assistant Salary in Salem, Oregon

The median medical assistant salary in Salem, OR is $39,801 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.1% below the Oregon state average.

City Median
$39,801
vs State Avg
$-3,061
vs National
+$1,531
Cost of Living
102%

Medical Assistant Pay in Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Salem offers a median medical assistant salary of $39,801, which is $3,061 below the Oregon state average of $42,862. Compared to the national median of $38,270, Salem pays above average for this role.

Salem's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for medical assistants in Salem spans from $30,576 at the 10th percentile to $54,080 at the 90th percentile — a $23,504 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,200, while senior medical assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,920. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Medical Assistant Salary in Salem by Experience

In Salem, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $31,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,200
+$1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,520
+$1,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,920
+$1,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR

Percentile Salem
10th Percentile $30,576
25th Percentile $34,528
Median (50th) $39,801
75th Percentile $46,592
90th Percentile $54,080

Medical Assistant Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Salem

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Salem and the surrounding Oregon 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 Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Medical Assistant Jobs in Salem

Browse open medical assistant positions in Salem, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Salem

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Salem, OR? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in Salem, Oregon is $39,801 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $30,576 (10th percentile) to $54,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in Salem? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,801, a medical assistant in Salem earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Salem compare to the Oregon state average for medical assistant pay? ▼
Salem's median medical assistant salary of $39,801 is 7.1% below the Oregon state average of $42,862. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Salem, OR? ▼
Salem has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a medical assistant salary of $39,801 in Salem has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant in Salem? ▼
Most medical assistant positions in Salem 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.