Medical Assistant Salary in San Clemente, CA: $51,590 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in San Clemente, CA earns a median $51,590/year (≈ $24.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in San Clemente's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $45,615 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected medical assistant salary in San Clemente for 2026 stands at $51,590, which marks a 7.57% increase over the national median of $47,961. Local data estimates reveal a salary range from $39,150 at the 10th percentile to $68,681 at the 90th percentile. This competitive pay reflects the unique market dynamics, particularly the higher salaries associated with specialty practices like dermatology and orthopedics compared to primary care settings. For those working in San Clemente, this specialized focus not only highlights the earning potential but also underscores the growing demand in the local healthcare sector, especially within specialized fields that often command a premium for skilled medical assistants.
About the San Clemente Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,150 | $18.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,890 | $21.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,590 | $24.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,904 | $27.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,681 | $33.02 |
Median Salary Position
7.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Clemente
In San Clemente, CA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,531 (2026 est.). At $51,590, the local median is 7.57% above the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Clemente: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Clemente Medical Assistant Pay Compares
San Clemente median: $51,590/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Clemente Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $51,901 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | +7.57% more |
Medical Assistants in San Clemente, CA earn a median of $51,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.57% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 0.60% below the California state average of $51,901.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Clemente has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Clemente, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,590 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,615 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,433
2025 BLS Actual
$49,147
2026 Current Est.
$51,590
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,433 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,562 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,004 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,166 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,178 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,487 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,147 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,590 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,154 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Clemente metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $37,433 (2019) to $49,147 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,154 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,721 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Clemente 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,150 – $43,890 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,890 – $51,590 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,590 – $56,904 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,904 – $68,681 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in San Clemente
In San Clemente, the job market for medical assistants is modest, with only 10 individuals currently employed in this role. The local cost of living, marked by a CoL index of 113.1, can impact take-home pay significantly, suggesting that while salaries may appear competitive, the reality of higher living expenses necessitates strategic financial planning. Employers offering the best compensation typically include specialty practices and urgent care chains, where salaries can be enhanced through bilingual skills or additional certifications such as phlebotomy. To maximize earnings, new MAs should consider pursuing credentials recognized by AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, and seek roles in higher-paying environments. Given the rising demand for medical assistants, particularly in specialties, those who invest in their education and skills will likely find themselves in an advantageous position in the San Clemente job market.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $49,147 for medical assistantsin the San Clemente metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Clemente 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