Medical Assistant in Colorado

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$47,270
trending_up +6.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering
12,910

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Surging
+12.5%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Varies depending on program length (typically 9-24 months for accredited programs).

Time to complete

route How to become a medical assistant in Colorado

In Colorado, Medical Assistants are not licensed by the state and practice under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, who is responsible for ensuring their competence. While not legally mandated, obtaining a national certification such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is considered the industry standard and is often required by employers. Prospective Medical Assistants typically complete an accredited program, pass a national certification exam, and then seek employment.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,010
25th percentile $43,120
50th (median) $47,270
75th percentile $50,720
90th (experienced) $57,990

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Colorado. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing bodyColorado does not license Medical Assistants at the state level. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician.
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent. While not state-mandated, employers often require graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant program (e.g., CAAHEP or ABHES accredited) or national certification.
ExamNational certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard and often required by employers.
NotesMedical assistants in Colorado are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician. The delegating physician is responsible for ensuring the MA is competent. While not legally required, national certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is the industry standard and often a prerequisite for employment. Some employers may require certification within a specified period after hire. There are no state-mandated minimum age requirements for Medical Assistants, but national certification exams typically have age requirements (e.g., 18 years old).

Source: Colorado does not license Medical Assistants at the state level. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician.

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
Wondering if a medical assistant career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a medical assistant in Colorado? expand_more
Colorado requires medical assistants to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent. While not state-mandated, employers often require graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant program (e.g., CAAHEP or ABHES accredited) or national certification.), and pass the National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard and often required by employers..
Can I work as a medical assistant in Colorado without a license? expand_more
medical assistants in Colorado are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical assistants in Colorado are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician. The delegating physician is responsible for ensuring the MA is competent. While not legally required, national certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is the industry standard and often a prerequisite for employment. Some employers may require certification within a specified period after hire. There are no state-mandated minimum age requirements for Medical Assistants, but national certification exams typically have age requirements (e.g., 18 years old).
How much does a medical assistant make in Colorado? expand_more
In Colorado, the median pay for medical assistants comes to $47,270/year. — 7% higher than the $44,200 national figure. The range spans from $38,010 at the entry level to $57,990 for top earners.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant in Colorado? expand_more
Most candidates in Colorado complete the process in Varies depending on program length (typically 9-24 months for accredited programs)., from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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