Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Duluth, MN: $61,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Duluth, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,775/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Duluth's price premium (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $69,592 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
An experienced medical assistant salary in Duluth, Minnesota, can expect to reach impressive levels, especially for top earners in the field. In 2026, the projected salary for the highest-paid professionals (P90) is estimated at $61,775, which represents a significant opportunity for specialized roles within healthcare settings. In comparison to the national average for top earners, which stands at $47,961, Duluth's elite medical assistants enjoy a premium that reinforces the value of experience and specific skill sets. To attain this level of compensation, candidates often need a solid foundation of experience—typically seven or more years—along with advanced certifications that differentiate them in the job market, thus creating a noticeable gap between the median annual salary of $50,375 and the top-tier earning potential.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Duluth
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Duluth earn between $52,947 and $61,775 per year (2026 est.). This $22,264 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Duluth median of $50,375 sits 5.03% above the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Duluth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,375 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,947 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $61,775 | $62,258 |
In Duluth, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 22.63% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Duluth
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $50,375 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Duluth employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Duluth command premium compensation, often reaching the $52,947–$61,775 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Duluth metro area, which is a large MA, CMA employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Duluth with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Assistants in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Duluth
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDuluth ranks #32 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $61,775).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Duluth ($61,775) is 1.94% below the Minnesota average P90 ($63,000).
2019 BLS Actual
$54,080
2025 BLS Actual
$58,850
2026 Current Est.
$61,775
2019–2027 Growth
+19.9%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,845 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Duluth saw their compensation grow 8.8% from $54,080 in 2019 to $58,850 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.97% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $64,845 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Earnings in Duluth
In the Duluth job market, specific specializations can lead to elevated senior medical assistant pay in MN. Positions that stand out include phlebotomy and EKG cross-training, dermatology MAs, and bilingual roles—these can command higher salaries, often due to the unique skill sets required. Compensation can also vary significantly depending on the type of employer. For instance, practices specializing in dermatology or pediatrics typically offer more competitive wages compared to primary care offices. Furthermore, pathways for advancement are robust; experienced professionals may transition into positions such as clinical operations supervisor or even practice manager. Those with advanced credentials, like the CMA or RMA, see improved job prospects and pay, especially when supplemented by additional certifications like phlebotomy. For senior roles, non-salary benefits, such as shift differentials in urgent care chains or premiums for bilingual skills, further enhance overall compensation packages in this vibrant healthcare hub.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Duluth in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Duluth?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Duluth?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Duluth?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Duluth?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $58,850 for medical assistants in the Duluth metro area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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