Medical Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants: Who Earns More?
Medical Assistants out-earn Nursing Assistants by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Medical Assistants land at $45,690 and Nursing Assistants at $42,260. The education gap is real: medical assistant programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while nursing assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Medical Assistants is Washington ($59,290); for Nursing Assistants it's Oregon ($49,830).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Medical Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Medical Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Medical Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $45,690 for Medical Assistants versus $42,260 for Nursing Assistants, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Medical Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Medical Assistants has the better 10-year outlook at 12.5% projected growth, compared to 2.3% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Medical Assistants or Nursing Assistants?
Medical Assistants typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Nursing Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Medical Assistants get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Medical Assistants at $59,290/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Medical Assistants vs. Nursing Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Medical Assistants earn $59,290 vs. $49,180 for Nursing Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.