Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Rochester, MN: $63,664 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Rochester, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $63,664/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Rochester's price premium (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $70,098 in average-cost America. The 22% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, senior medical assistants with substantial experience in Rochester, Minnesota can expect a lucrative pay scale, with top earners making around $63,664 annually, and those at the 75th percentile earning $60,106. This competitive compensation not only highlights the value placed on experience but also exceeds the national top earner benchmark, which stands at $47,961. The significant gap between the median annual salary of $52,307 and the higher earnings at the 90th percentile illustrates that seasoned professionals who enhance their qualifications and skills will secure greater financial rewards. Achieving this level of pay often requires dedicated effort in acquiring specialized certifications and pursuing advanced roles within the healthcare system.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Rochester earn between $60,106 and $63,664 per year (2026 est.). This $15,388 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rochester median of $52,307 sits 9.06% above the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Rochester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $52,307 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,106 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $63,664 | $62,258 |
In Rochester, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 21.71% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Rochester
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $52,307 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rochester employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Rochester command premium compensation, often reaching the $60,106–$63,664 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rochester metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Rochester 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 Rochester
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRochester ranks #19 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $63,664).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Rochester ($63,664) is 1.05% above the Minnesota average P90 ($63,000).
2019 BLS Actual
$52,750
2025 BLS Actual
$60,650
2026 Current Est.
$63,664
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,750 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,664 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,828 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Rochester saw their compensation grow 15.0% from $52,750 in 2019 to $60,650 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 $66,828 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
A range of specializations caters to Rochester's demand for senior medical assistants, and roles such as dermatology medical assistant or those cross-trained in phlebotomy and EKG are particularly sought after. Employment opportunities in different settings influence compensation levels; for instance, medical assistants in specialty practices like cardiology or orthopedics typically earn more than those working in primary care. Growth opportunities abound, such as transitioning to roles like clinical operations supervisor or practice manager, which elevate earning potential. Supplementing credentials with nationally recognized certifications—including CMA, RMA, and CCMA—can significantly enhance a candidate's marketability and salary prospects. Non-salary benefits, like shift differentials in urgent care facilities and bilingual premiums, also contribute to total compensation, creating a more attractive overall package for senior medical assistants in MN.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Rochester in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Rochester?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Rochester?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Rochester?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Rochester?
Related Pages
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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 $60,650 for medical assistants in the Rochester 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