Medical Assistant salary in Detroit, MI
Median pay, Detroit metro
$39,410/year
about $18.95 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $37,590 – $45,820
Half of medical assistants in the Detroit metro area earn more than $39,410 a year and half earn less. That's 14% lower than the national median of $45,690, and ranks #29 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $33,280 | $16.00 |
| 25th | $37,590 | $18.07 |
| Median (50th) | $39,410 | $18.95 |
| 75th | $45,820 | $22.03 |
| 90th (top earners) | $48,750 | $23.44 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a medical assistant job in the Detroit metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $37,590 ($18.07/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $37,590 to $45,820 ($18.07 to $22.03/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $45,820 ($22.03/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Certification (such as CMA or RMA) can raise pay and open more roles, and some employers pay for it.
- Check whether the role is front office, back office or both, since mixed roles are often paid like single ones.
- Ask about guaranteed hours: some clinics cut hours on slow days.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Detroit metro. Occupation: Medical Assistants (SOC 31-9092). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.