Medical Assistant salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$46,640/year
about $22.42 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $43,480 – $51,210
Half of medical assistants in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $46,640 a year and half earn less. That's 2% higher than the national median of $45,690, and ranks #15 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| 25th | $43,480 | $20.90 |
| Median (50th) | $46,640 | $22.42 |
| 75th | $51,210 | $24.62 |
| 90th (top earners) | $59,300 | $28.51 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $43,480 ($20.90/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $43,480 to $51,210 ($20.90 to $24.62/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $51,210 ($24.62/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, Washington DC metro. Occupation: Medical Assistants (SOC 31-9092). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.