Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Davis, CA: $64,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Davis, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $64,099/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Davis's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $56,675 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the projected median annual salary for experienced medical assistants in Davis, California hitting $50,205 in 2026, there is significant earning potential for those who have advanced in their careers. Top earners in this market can expect salaries reaching up to $64,099, creating a notable gap that emphasizes the premium placed on experience and specialization within the profession. This financial climb reflects not only the rising demand for skilled medical assistants but also the increasing complexity of the role as healthcare practices evolve. To reach the upper echelons of pay, professionals often invest in additional certifications and specializations, thereby positioning themselves ahead in a competitive landscape that values expertise greatly.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Davis earn between $54,833 and $64,099 per year (2026 est.). This $24,150 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Davis median of $50,205 sits 4.68% above the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Davis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,205 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,833 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $64,099 | $62,258 |
In Davis, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 27.67% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Davis
Advanced Certifications in California
CA medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $50,205 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Davis employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Davis command premium compensation, often reaching the $54,833–$64,099 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Davis metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Davis with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Assistants in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Davis
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDavis ranks #144 of 158 California cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $64,099).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Davis ($64,099) is 15.29% below the California average P90 ($75,664).
2019 BLS Actual
$50,161
2025 BLS Actual
$61,064
2026 Current Est.
$64,099
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
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 | $50,161 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,595 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,239 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,150 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,285 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Davis saw their compensation grow 21.7% from $50,161 in 2019 to $61,064 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.97% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $67,285 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Earnings in Davis
Compensation for senior medical assistants in Davis is influenced by a variety of factors, particularly specialization. Those who are cross-trained in vital skills such as phlebotomy or EKG, or who work in dermatology, OB-GYN, or pediatric practices, often command higher salaries. Moreover, the type of employer plays a crucial role in salary differences at the senior level. For instance, specialists and urgent care settings generally offer more competitive pay than primary care physician offices. In addition, leadership roles such as clinical operations supervisors or MA trainers can lead to advanced career pathways and higher compensation. Achieving advanced credentials, including national certifications from AAMA or AMT, further enhances earning potential. Specialty practices tend to offer a significant premium, often exceeding standard primary care pay, making strategic career choices vital for maximizing senior medical assistant pay in CA.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Davis in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Davis?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Davis?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Davis?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Davis?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $61,064 for medical assistants in the Davis metro area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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