Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Shoreview, MN: $39,359 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Shoreview, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,359 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shoreview's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,958 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,258) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shoreview, Minnesota, new graduates entering the medical assistant field in 2026 can expect to see starting salaries around $39,359, with the potential to earn more as they gain experience. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $48,258 for medical assistants in the area. Over the first three to five years, newcomers can realistically anticipate salary growth transitioning from the lower percentiles toward the median, aligning with a projected growth rate of 4.97% annually within this profession. Considering these figures, Shoreview presents a reasonably favorable job market for aspiring medical assistants, especially with the increasing demand for healthcare services driving expansion in the field.
About the Shoreview Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shoreview
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 Shoreview
Entry-level medical assistants in Shoreview, MN typically start between $39,359 and $40,146 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,466 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,258 — 0.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Minnesota of $9,000 represents just 22.87% of the starting medical assistant pay ($39,359/year) in Shoreview. 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 Shoreview
- 1Research the Shoreview market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $39,359 to $40,146, 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 Shoreview, 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 Shoreview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shoreview'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 Shoreview is $20,466 ( 52.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,359, experienced hygienists can earn up to $59,825.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,855
2025 BLS Actual
$37,495
2026 Current Est.
$39,359
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Shoreview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,855 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,009 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,608 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,843 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,681 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,495 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,359 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,315 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Shoreview, MN grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,855 in 2019 to $37,495 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,315. New graduates entering the Shoreview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreview 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 Shoreview
Prospective employers in Shoreview that typically hire recent MA graduates include primary care offices and urgent care facilities, which often offer structured onboarding programs beneficial for new entrants. Specialty practices, such as dermatology and orthopedic clinics, are generally more selective, favoring candidates with prior experience. For those seeking to enhance their earning potential, obtaining certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT can be advantageous. Additionally, completing a program at an accredited institution, typically lasting 9 to 12 months, can improve starting pay significantly. In the first few years, new medical assistants may encounter opportunities for clinical advancement and cross-training in areas like phlebotomy or EKG, with the possibility of moving into higher-paying specialty roles that can yield a 20-40% pay premium over general positions.
More salary data for Shoreview, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical assistants in Shoreview in 2026?
How fast do medical assistant salaries grow in Shoreview?
Is medical assisting school worth it in Shoreview?
What do new medical assistants make right out of school in Shoreview?
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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 Shoreview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shoreview 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