Nursing Assistants vs. Medical Assistants: Who Earns More?
Medical Assistants out-earn Nursing Assistants by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Nursing Assistants land at $42,260 and Medical Assistants at $45,690. The education gap is real: nursing assistant programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while medical assistant programs require postsecondary nondegree award. Top-paying state for Nursing Assistants is Oregon ($49,830); for Medical Assistants it's Washington ($59,290).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Nursing Assistants median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Nursing Assistants or Medical Assistants?
Medical Assistants earn more nationally. The median is $42,260 for Nursing Assistants versus $45,690 for Medical Assistants, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Nursing Assistants or Medical 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, Nursing Assistants or Medical Assistants?
Nursing Assistants typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Medical Assistants requires postsecondary nondegree award. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Nursing Assistants get paid the most?
Oregon is the top-paying state for Nursing Assistants at $49,830/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Nursing Assistants vs. Medical Assistants pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Oregon, Nursing Assistants earn $49,830 vs. $50,410 for Medical Assistants. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.