Medical Assistant salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$49,420/year
about $23.76 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $47,690 – $60,480
Half of medical assistants in the San Diego metro area earn more than $49,420 a year and half earn less. That's 8% higher than the national median of $45,690, and ranks #9 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,340 | $20.84 |
| 25th | $47,690 | $22.93 |
| Median (50th) | $49,420 | $23.76 |
| 75th | $60,480 | $29.08 |
| 90th (top earners) | $66,340 | $31.89 |
*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 San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $47,690 ($22.93/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $47,690 to $60,480 ($22.93 to $29.08/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $60,480 ($29.08/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, San Diego metro. Occupation: Medical Assistants (SOC 31-9092). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.