What does a medical assistant do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that keep a medical office running: recording patient histories, measuring vital signs, helping with exams and managing records. Most complete a certificate program of about one to two years. BLS reports a median of $45,690 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 31-9092 (O*NET-SOC 31-9092.00) |
| Typical entry-level education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Licensing | Varies by state; certification often preferred by employers |
| Median annual wage | $45,690 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 13 percent, 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 833,900 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What the job is and what medical assistants do
Medical assistants support physicians and other providers. Typical duties include:
- Interviewing patients and recording their medical history.
- Measuring vital signs such as blood pressure and weight.
- Helping physicians with patient examinations.
- Giving injections or medications as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law.
- Scheduling patient appointments.
- Collecting and preparing blood and other specimens for laboratory tests.
- Entering patient information, such as vital signs and test results, into medical records.
- Keeping inventory of medical and office supplies.
The mix of clinical and front-office work depends on the practice. Smaller offices tend to ask for both; larger systems may specialize.
Work environment
In 2025 the largest employers were offices of physicians (56 percent of jobs), hospitals (17 percent), outpatient care centers (10 percent) and offices of other health practitioners (8 percent). Most medical assistants work full time. Some work evenings, weekends or holidays, depending on the facility.
Education, training and licensing
- Education. Employers typically expect postsecondary education such as a certificate. These programs usually take about one or two years.
- On-the-job path. Some workers without postsecondary education learn through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship that can take several months.
- State rules. Some states require medical assistants to graduate from an accredited program, be licensed or certified, or meet other prerequisites. Check your state's rules before enrolling.
- Certification. Most states do not require it, but employers may prefer or require certification. Some also require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical skills (reading charts and diagnoses), communication skills, compassion, attention to detail and interpersonal skills. O*NET lists active listening, social perceptiveness, service orientation and time management, plus knowledge areas such as customer and personal service, administrative work, and computers and electronics. On your resume, show them with specifics: patient volume you handled, systems you used and procedures you assisted with, without including any patient information.
Pay
BLS reports a median of $45,690 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,050 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,310 (May 2025). See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your state or metro area, and use how to research salary and salary negotiation to set your range.
Job outlook
BLS projects 13 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 107,600 new jobs. About 109,700 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
How to get hired
- Check your state's requirements, then pick an accredited program if your state or target employers ask for one.
- Earn a certification and, if listed in job postings, Basic Life Support.
- Build a resume with no experience using clinical practicum hours, if you are new to the field.
- Make the resume readable by applicant tracking systems with the steps in ATS resume.
- Practice patient-focused answers with interview prep.
- Search jobs on LiveRec and apply to roles that match your training and schedule.
Related occupations
Dental assistants, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, medical records specialists, nursing assistants and orderlies, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists.
Frequently asked questions
Do medical assistants need to be certified? Most states do not require certification, but BLS notes that some do require accredited training, licensing or certification, and employers may prefer or require it.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant? Postsecondary programs usually take about one or two years. Some workers learn on the job over several months.
How much do medical assistants make? BLS reports a median of $45,690 per year (May 2025).
Is the field growing? Yes. BLS projects 13 percent growth from 2025 to 2035.
Sources
- BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 31-9092.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-9092.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.