Medical Assistant Salary in Sacramento, CA: $65,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Sacramento, CA earns a median $65,050/year (≈ $31.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Sacramento's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 106.7), that paycheck buys what $60,982 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 25.4% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Sacramento can expect a median annual salary of $65,050, significantly higher than the national median of $47,961. The projected salary range spans from $47,583 at the 10th percentile to $81,971 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities in this sector. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these figures highlight not only the steady demand for medical assistants but also the wage disparities driven by specialization. Positions in specialty practices, such as dermatology and orthopedics, typically command a premium compared to roles in primary care, illustrating the financial advantages of pursuing certifications and advanced skills in this competitive market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,583 | $22.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,089 | $24.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,050 | $31.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,858 | $38.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,971 | $39.41 |
Median Salary Position
35.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sacramento
In Sacramento, CA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,388 (2026 est.). At $65,050, the local median is 35.63% above the national median of $47,961.
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At 40 hours/week in Sacramento: You'd be above the median
How Sacramento Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Sacramento median: $65,050/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sacramento Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $51,874 | +25.40% more |
| National Average | $47,961 | +35.63% more |
Medical Assistants in Sacramento, CA earn a median of $65,050 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.63% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 25.40% above the California state average of $51,874.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sacramento has a cost of living 6.67% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sacramento, CA has a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,050 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,982 — a 6.25% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,850
2025 BLS Actual
$61,970
2026 Current Est.
$65,050
2019–2027 Growth
+71.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Sacramento (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,970 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,283 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sacramento metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 55.5% from $39,850 (2019) to $61,970 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,283 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,433 (71.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,583 – $51,089 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,089 – $65,050 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,050 – $80,858 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,858 – $81,971 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Sacramento
Sacramento's job market is buoyed by approximately 7,410 medical assistants currently employed in the region, providing ample job opportunities for those entering the field. The cost of living index sits at 106.67, indicating a higher-than-average cost of living, which impacts take-home purchasing power. Those seeking higher medical assistant pay in Sacramento, CA, should consider specialty practices or larger healthcare systems, typically offering superior compensation compared to smaller primary care offices. Factors contributing to the wage spread include the demand for bilingual skills, additional certifications like phlebotomy, and experience in urgent care settings. To maximize pay potential, gaining certifications from recognized bodies such as AAMA or NHA and pursuing positions in high-demand specialties can significantly enhance earning opportunities and lead to career advancement in this growing field.
More salary data for Sacramento, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,970 for medical assistantsin the Sacramento metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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