Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Davis, CA: $39,949 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Davis, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,949 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davis's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,322 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,205) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the medical field as a medical assistant in Davis, California, the starting point for salaries in 2026 showcases a foundation of opportunity. New graduates can expect to begin their careers with an entry-level salary of approximately $39,949, which is significantly lower than the city's median of $50,205. However, these early earnings offer a stepping stone to better pay, as those in their first few years can anticipate upward movement to the 25th percentile earning $42,187 and on to the median level as they gain experience. Given the positive growth rate of 4.97%, the Davis market is presently conducive for new graduates, suggesting that although starting pay may appear modest, the potential for salary advancement in the region is promising.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davis
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Entry-level medical assistants in Davis, CA typically start between $39,949 and $42,187 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,150 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,205 — 4.68% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in California of $8,000 represents just 20.03% of the starting medical assistant pay ($39,949/year) in Davis. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP and ABHES-accredited medical assisting program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, private vocational) and program length.
MA, CMA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Davis
- 1Research the Davis market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $39,949 to $42,187, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical assisting field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davis, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Davis for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Davis's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in Davis is $24,150 ( 60.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,949, experienced hygienists can earn up to $64,099.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,258
2025 BLS Actual
$38,058
2026 Current Est.
$39,949
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,689 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,478 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,058 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,949 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,935 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Davis, CA grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,258 in 2019 to $38,058 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,935. New graduates entering the Davis job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical assisting Career in Davis
Employers in Davis that primarily hire new graduates as medical assistants include primary care offices and urgent care chains, which frequently implement structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smoother transition into the workforce. Specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics typically prefer candidates with some experience, often making positions at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) attractive alternatives; these may offer benefits like National Health Service Corps (NHSC) loan repayment options and incentives for bilingual candidates. Aspiring medical assistants can enhance their marketability and starting pay through recognized credentials such as a diploma or associate's degree from an accredited MA program, as well as national certifications from AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT. First-year salaries may reflect the starting medical assistant salary in Davis at around $42,187, and with dedication and additional qualifications, one can realistically see growth in the range of 20-40% as they move into more specialized roles or capitalize on employment at high-demand practices within the healthcare sector.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical assisting graduates. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Davis. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Davis is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov