What pays more CNA or Medical Assistant?
Jackson Reed
Updated on December 28, 2025
Median Salaries Compared According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a CNA is $30,830 per year, as of 2020. According to BLS, the median salary for a medical assistant is $35,850 per year, as of 2020.
Do hospitals use medical assistants?
Medical assistants are integral parts of hospitals’ operations. Practically every department of a hospital employs at least one medical assistant. These professionals are tasked with bridging the gap between patients and physicians/nurses. Medical assistants are typically on the forefront of patient interaction.
What is the hourly rate for a PA?
Geographic profile for Physician Assistants:
| State | Employment (1) | Hourly mean wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | 11,490 | $ 64.99 |
| Texas | 8,990 | $ 53.94 |
| Florida | 7,310 | $ 52.32 |
| Pennsylvania | 7,300 | $ 51.69 |
Is becoming a CNA worth it?
It’s emotionally rewarding Helping other people and seeing them get well or cope with their conditions is extremely rewarding, particularly for really compassionate people. Apart from that, learning that your patients and their relatives are able to appreciate you and the hard work that you do makes the job worth it.
Who makes more money medical assistant or CNA?
Which test is harder CMA or RMA?
Although the CMA exam is not officially harder than the RMA exam, most medical assistants who take both exams report that the CMA is slightly longer, containing more word problems, and seems a bit more challenging. It is worth noting that medical assistant salary surveys do report CMAs earning slightly more than RMAs.
Why are medical assistant paid so little?
It’s just an entry-level point in healthcare. Most of the time they don’t have nearly the amount of responsibility as a nurse. (And in general, clerical jobs don’t pay well.) If you have the academic skill, I’d recommend doing an LPN program and you can make almost twice the amount.
Do clinics or hospitals pay more?
Pay is typically lower than at hospitals (though you might have more opportunities to negotiate for a higher salary). Overtime is more limited at private clinics. Allied health professionals tend to complete more paperwork than at hospitals.
Do medical assistants work in surgery?
Medical assistants can also assist the surgeon during the procedure itself. They have to be present in the operation room to provide help when needed.
