Medical Assistant salary in Salem, OR
Medical Assistants in the Salem, OR metro area earn a median of $50,240 a year ($24.15 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,090 workers.
Pay ranges from $43,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,160 for the top 10%. That is 10% higher than the national median of $45,690. Pay here is about the same as the Oregon statewide median of $50,410. There are 5.8 medical assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $52,500, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for medical assistants in Salem, OR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $43,630 | $20.98 |
| 25th percentile | $47,700 | $22.93 |
| Median | $50,240 | $24.15 |
| 75th percentile | $59,400 | $28.56 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,160 | $29.88 |
| Average (mean) | $52,500 | $25.24 |
Half of medical assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,186.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,093.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,932.31 |
| Weekly | $966.15 |
| Hourly | $24.15 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $50,240 salary, see how much house you can afford in Oregon at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Medical Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $56,240 | 6,390 |
| Albany, OR | $50,480 | 200 |
| Bend, OR | $50,080 | 840 |
| Eugene-Springfield, OR | $49,980 | 1,040 |
| Corvallis, OR | $48,890 | 340 |
| Medford, OR | $48,820 | 900 |
| Grants Pass, OR | $48,610 | 220 |
Highest-paying states for medical assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $59,290 |
| Alaska | $52,560 |
| District of Columbia | $51,050 |
| Minnesota | $50,480 |
| Oregon | $50,410 |
| California | $49,660 |
| Massachusetts | $49,460 |
| Wisconsin | $48,680 |
| Hawaii | $48,410 |
| Colorado | $48,400 |
See Medical Assistant pay in every state or the Oregon statewide figures.
Related jobs in Salem, OR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $59,210 | $28.47 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $46,550 | $22.38 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $44,460 | $21.38 |
| Phlebotomist | $48,160 | $23.16 |
| Massage Therapist | $96,080 | $46.19 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $47,430 | $22.80 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $51,590 | $24.80 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Nursing Assistant | $48,840 | $23.48 |
| Psychiatric Aide | $50,580 | $24.32 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $35,430 | $17.03 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $67,090 | $32.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $76,570 | $36.81 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Salem, OR
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9092. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical assistant make in Salem, OR?
The median salary for medical assistants in the Salem, OR metro area is $50,240 a year, or $24.15 an hour. Pay ranges from $43,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,160 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid medical assistants make in Salem, OR?
The top 10% of medical assistants in the Salem, OR metro area earn at least $62,160 a year. The top 25% earn $59,400 or more.
What is the starting pay for medical assistants in Salem, OR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $43,630 a year, and a quarter of medical assistants earn $47,700 or less.
How many medical assistants work in Salem, OR?
About 1,090 medical assistants are employed in the Salem, OR metro area, not counting the self-employed.