Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Colorado Springs, CO: $40,518 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Colorado Springs, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,518 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Colorado Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 100.7 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,234 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,003) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates stepping into the medical assistant field in Colorado Springs can expect a starting medical assistant salary of approximately $40,518 in 2026. This figure, while lower than the city median salary of $48,003, reflects a realistic entry point for recent graduates in their first roles. Over the next 3-5 years, entry-level employees may experience growth in their compensation, with realistic projections ranging from $41,075 to the median, based on performance, additional training, and experience. Given Colorado Springs' projected 4.97% annual growth in the medical assistant workforce, the market presents a promising opportunity for those entering the field, particularly as healthcare demand continues to rise.
When considering employment options, various healthcare facilities actively recruit new graduates. Primary care offices and urgent care clinics often have structured onboarding programs that support entry-level medical assistants, while specialty clinics, such as those focused on dermatology or orthopedics, may prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience. To enhance earning potential right out of the gate, completing an accredited diploma or associate degree in medical assisting, securing a CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA) certification, and engaging in continuing education can make a significant difference. As the medical assistant workforce grows rapidly, entering first roles in primary care, urgent care, or corporate occupational health may initially offer moderate salaries, but opportunities for substantial raises exist, particularly in specialty practices where salaries can be 20-40% higher. New entrants can expect realistic salary increases in the early years, especially if they actively pursue additional certifications and skills relevant to high-demand areas in healthcare.
Career Earnings Timeline in Colorado Springs
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colorado Springs
Entry-level medical assistants in Colorado Springs, CO typically start between $40,518 and $41,075 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,843 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,003 — 0.09% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Colorado of $8,000 represents just 19.74% of the starting medical assistant pay ($40,518/year) in Colorado Springs. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP and ABHES-accredited medical assisting program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, private vocational) and program length.
MA, CMA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Colorado Springs
- 1Research the Colorado Springs market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $40,518 to $41,075, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical assisting field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Colorado Springs, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Colorado Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Colorado Springs's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in Colorado Springs is $18,843 ( 46.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,518, experienced hygienists can earn up to $59,361.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,840
2025 BLS Actual
$38,600
2026 Current Est.
$40,518
2019–2027 Growth
+52.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Colorado Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,518 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,532 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Colorado Springs, CO grew 38.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,840 in 2019 to $38,600 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,532. New graduates entering the Colorado Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado Springs metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
More salary data for Colorado Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical assistants in Colorado Springs in 2026?
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Is medical assisting school worth it in Colorado Springs?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical assisting graduates. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Colorado Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov