Medical Assistants
O*NET 31-9092.00 · SOC 31-9092
Medical Assistant is a strong career choice. Median pay is $46k a year with +12.9% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 109,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Take patient vital signs including blood pressure and temperature
- →Draw blood and collect urine samples for laboratory testing
- →Prepare examination rooms and restock supplies between patient visits
- →Give injections and administer medications under physician supervision
- →Call patients with test results and appointment reminders
Education & How to Get In
Most Medical Assistant positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Medical Assistant involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Medical Assistant?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Medical Assistant Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Medical Assistants is projected to grow 12.9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Medical Assistant make?
The median Medical Assistant earns $46k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Medical Assistant jobs?
Our model puts Medical Assistant at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 43% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Medical Assistant a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 12.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 109,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Medical Assistant?
Most Medical Assistant roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Medical Assistant?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Medical Assistant career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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