Medical Assistant in Massachusetts

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

Median annual salary

$48,540

trending_up +9.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.

engineering

16,210

Jobs (MA)

monitoring Surging

+12.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$125

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a medical assistant in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, Medical Assistants are not required to be licensed or certified by the state. However, national certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), is widely recognized as the industry standard and often a prerequisite for employment. While there are no state-mandated education or examination requirements, employers typically prefer candidates who have completed an accredited medical assisting program and passed a national certification exam. Medical assistants in Massachusetts must practice under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, who is responsible for ensuring their competency.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,190

25th percentile $45,610

50th (median) $48,540

75th percentile $55,320

90th (experienced) $60,850

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

checklist Massachusetts requirements

Licensing body	There is no state licensing body for Medical Assistants in Massachusetts.
State license	Not required
Education	High school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers.
Exam	National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard. ($125)
Notes	Medical assistants in Massachusetts 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 state-mandated, national certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is the industry standard and often required by employers. Only medical assistants who have graduated from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program are allowed to administer immunizations in Massachusetts.

Source: There is no state licensing body for Medical Assistants in Massachusetts.

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

What's required to work as a medical assistant in Massachusetts? expand_more

In Massachusetts, becoming a medical assistant requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers.), and pass the National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard..

Can I work as a medical assistant in Massachusetts without a license? expand_more

medical assistants in Massachusetts are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical assistants in Massachusetts 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 state-mandated, national certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is the industry standard and often required by employers. Only medical assistants who have graduated from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program are allowed to administer immunizations in Massachusetts.

What do medical assistants earn in Massachusetts? expand_more

In Massachusetts, the median pay for medical assistants comes to $48,540/year. — 10% higher than the $44,200 national figure. The range spans from $40,190 at the entry level to $60,850 for top earners.

How expensive is medical assistant licensing in Massachusetts? expand_more

Between exam fee ($125), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does medical assistant certification take in Massachusetts? expand_more

Most candidates in Massachusetts complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.