Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Plymouth, MN: $37,915 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,915 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,492 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,414) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
A starting medical assistant salary in Plymouth, MN, is expected to be around $37,915 in 2026, presenting a distinct gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $50,414. New graduates entering this field can realistically expect their pay to increase as they gain experience, moving from entry-level wages towards the 25th percentile figure of $43,699 within their first few years. With the projected annual growth rate of 4.97%, the medical assistant role is anticipated to be a strong opportunity for those just beginning their careers. Given the demand for healthcare services in Plymouth, recent graduates find themselves in a favorable market as they step into the workforce, equipped with the necessary skills to thrive.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level medical assistants in Plymouth, MN typically start between $37,915 and $43,699 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,636 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,414 — 5.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Minnesota of $9,000 represents just 23.74% of the starting medical assistant pay ($37,915/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $37,915 to $43,699, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in Plymouth is $25,636 ( 67.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,915, experienced hygienists can earn up to $63,551.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,870
2025 BLS Actual
$36,120
2026 Current Est.
$37,915
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,982 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,126 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,449 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,565 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,344 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,915 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,800 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,870 in 2019 to $36,120 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,800. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Employers in Plymouth that frequently hire new graduates include primary care offices and urgent care chains, which tend to provide structured onboarding programs. These settings are ideal for those fresh out of accredited medical assistant programs, typically lasting 9-12 months. While some specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics may prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer additional incentives, like loan repayment plans. Enhancing credentials through national certifications from organizations like the AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT can significantly improve starting pay in Minnesota. In the early years of their career, new medical assistants can expect to see gradual salary growth, particularly if they pursue further certifications or specialties where rates can be 20-40% higher than baseline positions.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical assistants in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do medical assistant salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is medical assisting school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new medical assistants make right out of school in Plymouth?
How do I become a medical assistant in Minnesota?
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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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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