Job Outlook | Medical Assisting Program

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MA Jobs Are In Demand!

MAs are one of the fastest growing occupations in California, and especially in Sonoma County. Employment growth is expected because of the aging baby boom population, current working MAs that are nearing retirement age, and the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need greater numbers of support personnel. Because many health care employers prefer a trained staff, job prospects are best for MAs with formal training or experience, and for those who are certified.

MA Graduates From SRJC Often Pursue Higher Education

Students who complete the MA program at SRJC often go on to pursue education as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or registered nurse (RN). Students who complete the MA program with an associates degree, often work as an MA while at the same time pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Average Wages:

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics (2020), the median annual wage for MAs across the United States in 2019 was $34,800 per year.

According to the State of California, Employment Development Department (2020), the median wage in 2020 for MAs in California is $38,772 annually, or $18.64 hourly. The median wage for MAs in Sonoma County is $45,786 annually, or $22.01 hourly.

(The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more, and half earn less.)

Source: State of California, Employment Development Department. (2020). Medical assistants in California. Retrieved from: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/OccGuides/detail.aspx?Soccode=319092&Geography=0604000097

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2020). Medical assistants. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm

Job Outlook for for MAs in the United States:

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020), employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2018 to 2028 - much faster than the average for all occupations.

The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2020). Medical assistants. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved from: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm

Job Outlook for MAs in California & Sonoma County:

According to the State of California, Employment Development Department (2020), in California, the number of MAs is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for MAs are expected to increase by 29.2 percent, or 24,800 jobs between 2016 and 2026.

In Sonoma County, the number of MAs is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for MAs are expected to increase by 32.5 percent, or 400 jobs between 2016 and 2026.

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