Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $78,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Hillsboro, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $78,078/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Hillsboro's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $76,099 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hillsboro, OR, experienced medical assistants have strong earning potential, with top-tier salaries reaching upwards of $78,078 in 2026. This figure places top earners significantly above the national median, which stands at $47,961, showcasing a remarkable opportunity for seasoned professionals. The gap between the median salary of $60,379 and peak earnings highlights the substantial rewards for those with extensive experience—typically recognized as seven or more years in the field. Achieving these top medical assistant salaries in Hillsboro often necessitates not only years of experience but also specialized skills or certifications that are in high demand, making career advancement initiatives essential for long-term profitability in this sector.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hillsboro
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hillsboro earn between $64,938 and $78,078 per year (2026 est.). This $31,429 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hillsboro median of $60,379 sits 25.89% above the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hillsboro | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $60,379 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,938 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $78,078 | $62,258 |
In Hillsboro, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 29.31% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Hillsboro
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $60,379 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hillsboro employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Hillsboro command premium compensation, often reaching the $64,938–$78,078 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Assistants in Oregon 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 Hillsboro
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHillsboro ranks #1 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $78,078).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Hillsboro ($78,078) is 19.1% above the Oregon average P90 ($65,555).
2019 BLS Actual
$61,100
2025 BLS Actual
$74,381
2026 Current Est.
$78,078
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,433 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,410 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,832 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,319 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,958 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Hillsboro saw their compensation grow 21.7% from $61,100 in 2019 to $74,381 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 $81,958 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
The potential for advanced earnings varies notably across specializations and employer types in Hillsboro. Medical assistants trained in phlebotomy or EKG, as well as those working in dermatology, OB-GYN, or pediatric roles, often command higher salaries due to their specialized abilities. Compensation can also fluctuate based on the type of healthcare setting, with specialty practices generally providing more lucrative salaries than primary care offices. Leadership roles that combine management and clinical care, such as clinical operations supervisors and practice managers, also enhance earning potential. Credentials like CMA, RMA, and CCMA can further elevate salaries, particularly when combined with additional certifications or specialized training. Non-salary factors like bilingual abilities and shift differentials in urgent care settings can affect overall compensation, making it an important consideration for experienced professionals in this vibrant job market.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Hillsboro in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Hillsboro?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Hillsboro?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Hillsboro?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Hillsboro?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 $74,381 for medical assistants in the Hillsboro 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
Salary data for Hillsboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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