Medical Assistant in California
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
Median annual salary
$48,050
trending_up
+8.7% vs. national
BLS OEWS 2024, California.
engineering
110,350
Jobs (CA)
monitoring
Surging
+12.5%
10-yr job growth
schedule
6-24 months (program dependent)
Time to complete
route How to become a medical assistant in California
In California, Medical Assistants are not licensed by the state. The Medical Board of California oversees their scope of practice and training requirements. Aspiring Medical Assistants must complete a postsecondary medical assisting program or receive training from a qualified healthcare professional. While state certification is not mandatory, national certification is widely preferred by employers and is required for Medical Assistants who train other Medical Assistants.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
10th percentile (entry)
$37,610
25th percentile
$43,400
50th (median)
$48,050
75th percentile
$60,700
90th (experienced)
$75,180
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for California. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist California requirements
| Licensing body | California does not license Medical Assistants. The Medical Board of California provides oversight regarding their scope of practice and training requirements. |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | Completion of a postsecondary medical assisting program or training administered by a supervising physician, podiatrist, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, physician assistant, or qualified medical assistant. Specific training hours are required for injections, skin tests, and venipuncture. |
| Exam | National certification is not state-mandmandated but is an industry standard. Several organizations offer certification exams, including the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA). |
| Notes | California does not license medical assistants. However, the Business and Professions Code (Sections 2069-2071) defines their scope of practice and mandates specific training requirements for tasks like injections and venipuncture. To administer medications by intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections, perform skin tests, or perform venipuncture/skin puncture, a medical assistant must complete a minimum of 10 clock hours of training in each area and demonstrate satisfactory performance in at least 10 of each procedure. Medical assistants must be at least 18 years of age. Certification is required for medical assistants who train other medical assistants. |
work_outline Job outlook
10-year growth
+12.5%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
112,300
Nationwide per year
Total employment
811,000
Nationwide
neurology
AI & tech impact
verified
Low exposure
0.15/1.00
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
hub
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.5%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions
How do I become a medical assistant in California? expand_more
To become a medical assistant in California, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a postsecondary medical assisting program or training administered by a supervising physician, podiatrist, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, physician assistant, or qualified medical assistant. Specific training hours are required for injections, skin tests, and venipuncture.), and pass the National certification is not state-mandmandated but is an industry standard. Several organizations offer certification exams, including the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA)..
Is a state license required for medical assistants in California? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as a medical assistant in California. Note: California does not license medical assistants. However, the Business and Professions Code (Sections 2069-2071) defines their scope of practice and mandates specific training requirements for tasks like injections and venipuncture. To administer medications by intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections, perform skin tests, or perform venipuncture/skin puncture, a medical assistant must complete a minimum of 10 clock hours of training in each area and demonstrate satisfactory performance in at least 10 of each procedure. Medical assistants must be at least 18 years of age. Certification is required for medical assistants who train other medical assistants.
How much do medical assistants make in California? expand_more
medical assistants in California earn a median of $48,050 annually. This exceeds the $44,200 national median by 9%. New medical assistants start around $37,610; seasoned professionals can reach $75,180.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in California? expand_more
The typical timeline in California is 6-24 months (program dependent). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.
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