CCMA Salary Per Hour
A Financially Stable and Fulfilling Career
Healthcare is more than a profession—it's a calling. If you're looking for a career that allows you to make a tangible difference in people's lives while offering job security, flexibility, and competitive compensation, becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is an excellent choice. With opportunities to thrive and make an impact in a high-demand field, medical assisting is one of the most rewarding paths in today's job market.
Working in healthcare is not only fulfilling but also bursting with opportunities. Whether you’re craving a better work-life balance, exploring a fresh career path, chasing financial stability, or dreaming big and wanting it all, becoming a medical assistant is a great way to reach your unique goals.
As an innovator in the healthcare training space, Skilltrade has the inside scoop on why medical assisting is one of the top career paths right now and how becoming a CCMA could boost your career growth. Plus, we've got the numbers to back it all up. Wondering what the typical CCMA salary per hour is throughout the U.S.? Let's dive in!
What is a CCMA?
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) designation is a certification awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). CCMAs are trained to handle various administrative and clinical tasks, from scheduling appointments, recording patient information, taking vitals, and assisting physicians during exams; no day is the same. Once you receive your certification, you can specialize in a particular area of the medical field based on your passion and preferences. Whether you're into cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, endocrinology, or something else, there's a place for you in the healthcare field—especially as a CCMA.
Why Medical Assisting is a Smart Career Choice
Sure, there are many career paths available today, and many of them are great choices. But if you want a long-term career that you can jump into quickly, medical assisting is a great option. Here's why:
A High Demand Industry
The healthcare industry is growing fast, and there simply aren't enough medical assistants to meet demands. With a 15% projected growth rate through 2033, medical assisting offers job security in a field where your skills will always be in demand. From bustling hospitals to quiet private practices, the need for skilled, compassionate professionals continues to grow year after year.
A Quick Path to a Long-Term Career
Unlike many healthcare roles that require years of education and training, becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant can take as few as 5-12 months. With focused, practical training, you can quickly start a career that makes a difference without the burden of having to attend years of schooling and racking up a pile of debt.
Diverse Career Opportunities
A career in medical assisting opens doors to a variety of work environments. Whether you prefer the fast-paced energy of a hospital, the close-knit feel of a private practice, or the specialized nature of clinics like pediatrics or dermatology, the options are endless. You can also build on your CCMA certification to explore other healthcare roles, such as nursing or healthcare administration.
Impactful and Rewarding Work
Medical assistants are key healthcare team members; they often serve as a bridge between patients and providers while keeping things running smoothly on the back end, too. Whether you're taking vitals, assisting with exams, or comforting a nervous patient, your work will undoubtedly have a direct and positive impact on many. Few careers offer the chance to combine purpose, compassion, and professional growth in such a meaningful way.
Competitive Pay and Benefits
Medical assistants typically enjoy competitive pay, with a median hourly rate of $20.19 per hour and a median salary of $42,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Many healthcare employers also offer benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement for continued education. As a CCMA, you'll have the opportunity to earn a reliable income while enjoying workplace perks that support your well-being.
Start Your Career With Zero Debt
Another great perk of pursuing a career as a CCMA is that there are programs available (like the one at Skilltrade) where you can graduate without any student loan debt. Imagine beginning a career with room for growth and financial stability without the stress of paying off student loans for decades!
CCMA Salary Per Hour and Annually by State
Your salary as a medical assistant will vary depending on factors like location, experience, and work setting.
On average, medical assistants in the U.S. earn $16.10–$27.15 per hour or $33,500–$56,480 annually. Still, these figures can go higher in certain states. And when you add the CCMA designation to your title, you can make even more. Glassdoor states that CCMA pay ranges from $46,000 to $62,000 annually.
Here's what you can expect for CCMA average pay—hourly and manually—across the U.S.
CCMA Average Salary Per Hour and Annually
Area Name | Average Hourly | Average Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $16 | $34,160 |
| Alaska | $25 | $52,530 |
| Arizona | $21 | $43,140 |
| Arkansas | $17 | $35,560 |
| California | $24 | $50,900 |
| Colorado | $22 | $46,270 |
| Connecticut | $22 | $46,630 |
| Delaware | $20 | $41,340 |
| District of Columbia | $24 | $50,110 |
| Florida | $19 | $40,530 |
| Georgia | $19 | $39,640 |
| Guam | $15 | $30,560 |
| Hawaii | $23 | $47,840 |
| Idaho | $20 | $42,110 |
| Illinois | $21 | $42,790 |
| Indiana | $20 | $42,260 |
| Iowa | $21 | $42,660 |
| Kansas | $19 | $39,020 |
| Kentucky | $18 | $37,090 |
| Louisiana | $16 | $33,610 |
| Maine | $21 | $44,580 |
| Maryland | $21 | $44,100 |
| Massachusetts | $23 | $48,570 |
| Michigan | $19 | $39,840 |
| Minnesota | $24 | $49,740 |
| Mississippi | $17 | $34,630 |
| Missouri | $19 | $39,230 |
| Montana | $21 | $43,230 |
| Nebraska | $20 | $42,280 |
| Nevada | $20 | $41,390 |
| New Hampshire | $22 | $45,490 |
| New Jersey | $22 | $45,190 |
| New Mexico | $19 | $39,020 |
| New York | $23 | $47,350 |
| North Carolina | $20 | $40,880 |
| North Dakota | $19 | $40,320 |
| Ohio | $19 | $39,620 |
| Oklahoma | $18 | $37,480 |
| Oregon | $24 | $49,390 |
| Pennsylvania | $20 | $42,090 |
| Puerto Rico | $13 | $27,060 |
| Rhode Island | $21 | $43,580 |
| South Carolina | $19 | $38,520 |
| South Dakota | $18 | $37,760 |
| Tennessee | $19 | $38,860 |
| Texas | $19 | $38,870 |
| Utah | $20 | $41,290 |
| Vermont | $21 | 44,710 |
| Virgin Islands | $18 | $37,380 |
| Virginia | $20 | $42,010 |
| Washington | $26 | $53,780 |
| West Virginia | $17 | $34,660 |
| Wisconsin | $22 | $45,160 |
| Wyoming | $20 | $40,810 |
This data was generated using the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System on January 2nd, 2025.
Key Factors That Influence CCMA Salaries
Several key factors will significantly influence your CCMA salary per hour or annual pay, including:
Location
States like California, New York, and Massachusetts tend to offer higher salaries per hour and per year due to the cost of living and greater demand for healthcare workers. Rural areas like South Dakota and West Virginia may offer lower starting rates. Still, they may also provide lower competition for medical assistant jobs. And once you start in the healthcare field, where you take your career is up to you—the sky’s the limit!Experience
The more experience you can get under your belt, the better. While even entry-level medical assistants are earning more than many other fields, becoming a CCMA can boost your earning potential even further. At Skilltrade, we provide students with access to real-world externship opportunities, so you can put your skills into practice and add even more experience to your resume.Work Setting
Hospitals and specialty clinics often pay higher salaries and offer more comprehensive benefits than private practices or outpatient facilities. Where you end up depends on the environment you enjoy working in and that suits you best.Additional Certifications
Obtaining additional certifications in areas such as phlebotomy, EKG, or surgical technology or specializing in more advanced areas of healthcare can make you a more competitive candidate and increase your pay. There's truly no limit to what you can do with your medical assisting career.
Ready to Start Your Medical Assistant Journey?
Investing in your future today means joining the growing number of skilled medical assistants in high demand throughout the healthcare industry. Becoming a medical assistant and, more specifically, a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) offers a clear pathway to a fulfilling career with competitive pay and plenty of room for growth. If you're considering taking the next step, now is a great time to explore training programs near you.
Want to get started now? At Skilltrade, we offer online and hybrid medical assistant training programs to help you get certified as a CCMA quickly, with flexible learning options that allow you to graduate debt-free.
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist at Skilltrade to learn more and launch your healthcare career today.
