Medical Assistant Salary in Denver, CO: $52,170 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Denver, CO earns a median $52,170/year (≈ $25.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Denver's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.8), that paycheck buys what $49,318 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.3% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the median annual medical assistant salary in Denver, Colorado, is projected to be $52,170, which exceeds the national median of $47,961 by 8.78%. The salary range for this role in the city varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $47,761 and experienced professionals earning up to $63,591 annually. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicating a strengthening demand for medical assistants as more professionals consider bridging their qualifications to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs). Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.97% over the next five years, the job market in Denver appears favorable, particularly for those seeking to advance their careers in healthcare.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,761 | $22.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,239 | $24.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,170 | $25.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,893 | $29.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,591 | $30.57 |
Median Salary Position
8.78% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denver
In Denver, CO, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,830 (2026 est.). At $52,170, the local median is 8.78% above the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Denver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Denver Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Denver median: $52,170/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Denver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $48,172 | +8.30% more |
| National Average | $47,961 | +8.78% more |
Medical Assistants in Denver, CO earn a median of $52,170 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.78% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 8.30% above the Colorado state average of $48,172.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Denver has a cost of living 5.78% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Denver, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.782 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,170 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,318 — a 5.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,480
2025 BLS Actual
$49,700
2026 Current Est.
$52,170
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,700 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,170 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,763 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Denver metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 29.2% from $38,480 (2019) to $49,700 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,763 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,283 (42.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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) | $47,761 – $50,239 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,239 – $52,170 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,170 – $60,893 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,893 – $63,591 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Denver
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are approximately 6,440 medical assistants currently employed in Denver, a figure that reflects a robust demand for healthcare support staff. The cost of living index in Denver stands at 105.782, suggesting that while salaries are comparatively higher than the national average, the increased living expenses must be considered when evaluating take-home pay. Employers who typically offer the highest salaries include specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics, which can lead to a compensation premium that is significantly above that of primary care settings. Factors influencing the salary spread in this market include specialty area, bilingual proficiency, and additional certifications like phlebotomy or EKG. For medical assistants in Denver, strategies to maximize earning potential may involve obtaining relevant certifications, considering specialty practices, and seeking opportunities within urgent care chains or corporate health settings, where demand is on the increase.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
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 $49,700 for medical assistantsin the Denver 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