Medical Assistant salary in Sacramento, CA
Median pay, Sacramento metro
$61,970/year
about $29.79 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $48,670 – $77,030
Half of medical assistants in the Sacramento metro area earn more than $61,970 a year and half earn less. That's 36% higher than the national median of $45,690, and ranks #1 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| 25th | $48,670 | $23.40 |
| Median (50th) | $61,970 | $29.79 |
| 75th | $77,030 | $37.03 |
| 90th (top earners) | $78,090 | $37.54 |
*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 Sacramento metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $48,670 ($23.40/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $48,670 to $77,030 ($23.40 to $37.03/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $77,030 ($37.03/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, Sacramento metro. Occupation: Medical Assistants (SOC 31-9092). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.