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Medical Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Medical Assistant information

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$12

$19

$27

How much do medical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical assistant in California is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who support doctors, nurses, and other medical staff by performing both administrative and clinical tasks. Their duties can include taking patient histories, measuring vital signs, preparing patients for exams, scheduling appointments, and handling medical records. Medical assistants work in a variety of settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare facilities run smoothly and that patients receive efficient care.

What does a medical assistant do?

Whether medical assistants work in a large hospital or a small doctor's office, their job duties remain the same. As a medical assistant, you may greet patients when they first arrive, ensure patient forms are filled out correctly, answer phone calls, and schedule appointments. Some also handle billing and insurance claims. In the exam rooms, medical assistants may take vital signs, administer medication or vaccinations, describe procedures, change wound dressings, document results from patient sample testing, submit prescriptions, and prepare the beds for the next patient. In a hospital, medical assistants tend to the needs of the staff and patients in their particular unit.

What are some common challenges medical assistants face when balancing administrative and clinical duties?

Medical Assistants often juggle both front-office administrative tasks and back-office clinical responsibilities, which can be challenging, especially in fast-paced healthcare settings. Staying organized and managing time efficiently are crucial skills, as you might alternate between scheduling appointments, updating patient records, and assisting with examinations or procedures. Effective communication and teamwork with nurses, physicians, and other staff members help ensure smooth workflow and reduce stress. Seeking feedback and using technology tools can also help Medical Assistants manage their diverse workload effectively.

Is becoming a medical assistant worth it?

Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in healthcare settings, often requiring certification or postsecondary education. The role offers steady employment, opportunities for advancement, and a relatively short training period, making it a viable entry point into the healthcare industry.

What can you do with a medical assistant?

A medical assistant performs clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with procedures, as well as administrative duties like scheduling appointments and maintaining records. They work in healthcare settings under the supervision of physicians or other healthcare professionals and often need certification or training in medical assisting. Their role supports both patient care and office operations.

What is the difference between Medical Assistant vs Medical Secretary?

AspectMedical AssistantMedical Secretary
CredentialsCertified or registered; CMA, RMA often preferredNo specific certification required, administrative training common
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, outpatient care; clinical and administrative tasksMedical offices, hospitals; primarily administrative duties
Job DutiesPatient care, taking vital signs, assisting with exams, admin tasksScheduling, billing, managing patient records, correspondence
Industry UsageHealthcare, clinics, hospitalsMedical offices, healthcare facilities

Medical Assistants and Medical Secretaries both work in healthcare settings, but Medical Assistants perform clinical tasks alongside administrative duties, while Medical Secretaries focus mainly on administrative support. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of clinical procedures, basic medical terminology, and administrative tasks, often supported by a medical assisting certificate or diploma. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical billing software, and basic laboratory equipment is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and compassionate communication help Medical Assistants stand out in patient care and team settings. These competencies ensure efficient healthcare delivery, accurate patient documentation, and a positive patient experience.

Which medical assistant gets paid the most?

Among medical assistants, those working in specialized settings such as outpatient care, dermatology, or with additional certifications tend to earn higher salaries. Generally, medical assistants with more experience, advanced skills, or working in regions with higher living costs also receive higher pay. However, salaries for medical assistants are typically lower than those for other healthcare professionals like nurses or physician assistants.
More about Medical Assistant jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Medical Assistant jobs in California? For Medical Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Medical Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Medical Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Medical Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Medical Assistant job openings:
Medical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,828 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Medical Assistant

Silicon Valley Medical Development

Mountain View, CA

$30 - $31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

El Camino Health Medical Network is currently seeking a talented Medical Assistant to join our growing team!!

Salary:$30.00-$31.00/ hour

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm 

Location: Mountain View, CA

El Camino Health Medical Network  is recruiting full-time Medical Assistants for our El Camino Health Primary Care and Multi-Specialty Care outpatient practices located in Santa Clara County.
The Medical Assistant (MA) works under the direction of licensed medical providers; performs patient care and clerical duties to assist with implementing the plan of care, and contributes to the overall patient experience and satisfaction. Responsibilities include:  review and preparation of patient charts, rooming patients, taking and recording vital signs, performing EKG’s, and collecting specimens. Additionally, the MA will update the EPIC electronic medical record (EMR) with patients’ information, answer telephone calls and schedule appointments. 
Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program
  • Two (2) years of experience in an ambulatory care/outpatient clinic environment preferred
  • Current certification as a Medical Assistant from the following is preferred:
  • AAMA – American Association of Medical Assistants
  • CCBMA – California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants
  • AMT – American Medical Technologists Certification as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
  • Current CPR certification
  • Experience working with an EMR (Epic) preferred
 

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