Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Lynnwood, WA: $48,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Lynnwood, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,119 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lynnwood's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,804 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,513) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a career as a medical assistant in Lynnwood, Washington, the starting medical assistant salary is estimated at $48,119 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale, creating a gap when compared to the median annual salary of $56,513 for medical assistants in the area. While it may seem modest, there is room for growth, with entry-level salaries expected to rise to approximately $49,516 at the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median salary within the first three to five years. Given the strong demand for healthcare roles in Lynnwood, highlighted by a growth rate of 4.97% annually for this occupation, it’s a promising market for recent graduates entering this field.
About the Lynnwood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lynnwood
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 Lynnwood
Entry-level medical assistants in Lynnwood, WA typically start between $48,119 and $49,516 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,973 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,513 — 17.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Washington of $9,000 represents just 18.70% of the starting medical assistant pay ($48,119/year) in Lynnwood. 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 Lynnwood
- 1Research the Lynnwood market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $48,119 to $49,516, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lynnwood, 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 Lynnwood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lynnwood'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 Lynnwood is $23,973 ( 49.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,119, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,092.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,833
2025 BLS Actual
$45,841
2026 Current Est.
$48,119
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Lynnwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,244 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,965 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,644 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,598 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,841 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,511 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lynnwood, WA grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,833 in 2019 to $45,841 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,511. New graduates entering the Lynnwood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood
Lynnwood offers several employment opportunities for new medical assistants, particularly in primary care offices and urgent care facilities where structured onboarding programs are commonplace. These settings are known for hiring fresh graduates, while specialty practice areas, such as dermatology or orthopedics, tend to favor candidates with 1-2 years of experience. To maximize starting pay in WA, new grads should consider obtaining national certifications like CMA from AAMA or CCMA from NHA, which can increase their competitive edge. Career development during the first few years can include seeking out positions in corporate occupational health or federally qualified health centers that sometimes provide valuable benefits like loan repayment assistance. With a rapidly growing workforce in primary care and urgent care sectors, starting salaries can expect gradual increases as experience builds, with potential earnings advancing significantly, especially within specialty practices that offer pay premiums.
More salary data for Lynnwood, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical assistants in Lynnwood in 2026?
How fast do medical assistant salaries grow in Lynnwood?
Is medical assisting school worth it in Lynnwood?
What do new medical assistants make right out of school in Lynnwood?
How do I become a medical assistant in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Lynnwood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lynnwood 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