The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of wage-and-salary medical assistants were $26,290 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,970 and $31,210. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $36,840. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of medical assistants in May 2006 were:
General medical and surgical hospitals
$27,340
Outpatient care centers
26,840
Offices of physicians
26,620
Offices of chiropractors
22,940
Offices of optometrists
