Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Dayton, OH: $56,148 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Dayton, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $56,148/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Dayton's price premium (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $60,573 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, senior medical assistants in Dayton, Ohio, can anticipate a notable salary trajectory, with the potential to earn as much as $56,148 annually for top-level positions. This figure, representing the 90th percentile, surpasses the national top earners and demonstrates the considerable experience premium associated with the role. With a median annual salary of $45,777, the gap between standard earnings and those at the higher end of the scale highlights the value placed on seasoned professionals who bring at least seven years of experience to the job. Achieving this top-tier pay often requires advanced certifications and specialized skills, positioning experienced medical assistants as critical assets within their healthcare teams.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dayton
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Dayton earn between $48,622 and $56,148 per year (2026 est.). This $18,527 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dayton median of $45,777 sits 4.55% below the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Dayton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,777 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,622 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $56,148 | $62,258 |
In Dayton, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 22.66% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Dayton
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $45,777 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dayton employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Dayton command premium compensation, often reaching the $48,622–$56,148 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Ohio 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 Dayton
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDayton ranks #18 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $56,148).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Dayton ($56,148) is 6.27% above the Ohio average P90 ($52,837).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,910
2025 BLS Actual
$53,490
2026 Current Est.
$56,148
2019–2027 Growth
+44.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Dayton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,490 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,148 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,939 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Dayton saw their compensation grow 30.8% from $40,910 in 2019 to $53,490 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 $58,939 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dayton 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 Dayton
In Dayton, various specializations can significantly influence senior medical assistant pay, with roles in phlebotomy, EKG cross-training, and support for dermatological cosmetic procedures often commanding higher salaries. The type of employer also plays a crucial role in compensation structure; professionals working in specialty practices such as cardiology or orthopedics can earn more than those in primary care settings. Advancing into leadership positions, such as clinical operations supervisor or practice manager, presents another pathway for increased earnings. Obtaining additional credentials, such as CMA or CCMA certifications, enhances marketability and potential salary growth. Factors like bilingual proficiency and endorsements in relevant specialties further elevate compensation, reflecting the diverse landscape of opportunities for skilled medical assistants in Dayton, OH.
More salary data for Dayton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Dayton in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Dayton?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Dayton?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Dayton?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Dayton?
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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 $53,490 for medical assistants in the Dayton 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