RMA Jobs 2026: Salary, Career Paths & Where to Find Positions
Explore RMA jobs in 2026: average salaries ($36,000–$48,000), top employers, job titles, and how to land your first Registered Medical Assistant position.
RMA Jobs at a Glance
RMA Salary in 2026
Salary for RMA jobs varies based on geography, work setting, and years of experience. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $42,000 for medical assistants — and RMA-certified professionals typically earn above the median due to demonstrated competency verification. Entry-level positions start around $32,000–$36,000, while experienced RMAs in high-cost states or specialty clinics can exceed $55,000 annually.
When searching for rma jobs, geography is the single largest salary driver. States with high costs of living and physician shortages consistently offer higher compensation. Meanwhile, setting matters too: hospital outpatient departments and specialty practices typically pay 10–15% more than solo physician offices.
RMA Salary Ranges by Experience
Compensation for Registered Medical Assistant positions scales with experience level and work setting. All figures are annual and reflect 2026 market data.
Common RMA Job Titles
When searching job boards for RMA job openings, you will encounter multiple titles for essentially the same role. Employers list positions differently based on their HR systems and internal conventions. Knowing these variations ensures you do not miss openings. The most common titles you will see for rma job seekers include:
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) — the most direct title, often preferred in physician-owned practices
- Medical Assistant, Certified — used interchangeably for both RMA and CMA holders
- Clinical Medical Assistant — emphasizes hands-on patient care duties over administrative work
- Ambulatory Care Medical Assistant — common in large health systems for outpatient clinic roles
- Medical Office Assistant — leans more administrative but often requires clinical competency
- Phlebotomy Technician / Clinical Tech — specialty track within the RMA skill set
- Care Coordinator / Medical Assistant II — senior titles at large healthcare systems
Always search all variations when using job boards — a single employer may post the same role under three different titles depending on the department.
Top Employers for RMA Jobs
The majority of jobs RMA candidates find are concentrated in a few high-volume healthcare settings. According to BLS occupational employment statistics, 62% of all medical assistants work in physician offices, with the remainder split across hospitals, outpatient care centers, and other settings. Large healthcare systems that consistently post high volumes of jobs rma candidates can target include:
| Employer | Type | Avg. Posted Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | Integrated Health System | $48,000–$62,000 |
| HCA Healthcare | Hospital System | $38,000–$50,000 |
| CommonSpirit Health | Nonprofit Health System | $36,000–$48,000 |
| Concentra Urgent Care | Urgent Care Chain | $35,000–$44,000 |
| ChenMed | Primary Care Group | $38,000–$47,000 |
| Local Physician Offices | Private Practice | $32,000–$42,000 |
RMA Jobs by State: Salary & Demand
Geographic location is the strongest predictor of RMA career compensation. States with the highest concentrations of medical practices and the highest costs of living pay significantly more for certified medical assistants. The following states consistently rank at the top for both RMA job volume and salary — explore rma careers in these markets if you are considering relocation:
- California — Median $50,000+; highest demand in LA, Bay Area, San Diego
- Washington — Median $49,000; strong demand in Seattle metro and Spokane
- Massachusetts — Median $47,500; Boston medical corridor, academic medical centers
- Alaska — Median $48,000; high pay due to cost of living and rural healthcare demand
- Connecticut — Median $46,500; dense physician practice network in Fairfield and Hartford counties
- New York — Median $46,000; NYC metro commands premium; statewide rural shortages
- New Jersey — Median $45,500; high physician practice density in northern NJ corridor
- Minnesota — Median $44,000; Mayo Clinic ecosystem, strong union benefits
Lower-cost states (Texas, Florida, Georgia) typically post more openings volume-wise but at lower base salaries ($33,000–$40,000). Total compensation including benefits often closes the gap in states with strong healthcare benefit packages.
How to Find RMA Jobs in 2026
The job search strategy for Registered Medical Assistant positions has shifted significantly toward digital-first methods. Here is a structured approach to maximize your chances of landing quality RMA jobs:
RMA Job Search Checklist
RMA Career Paths & Advancement
An RMA credential is not just an entry point — it is a foundation for multiple advancement tracks within healthcare. Professionals who start in RMA jobs often use the credential as a launch pad for specialized roles with higher compensation and greater clinical responsibility.
For more details, see our RMA vs CMA 2026: Which Medical Assistant Certification is Better? guide.
RMA Career Advancement Options
- Phlebotomy Technician — additional certification, avg. $38,000–$45,000
- EKG/Cardiac Technician — cardiology practices, avg. $40,000–$50,000
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) — associate degree + ASCP cert, avg. $52,000
- Surgical Technician — additional training, OR/surgical center roles, avg. $55,000
- Ophthalmic Medical Assistant — specialty track, ophthalmology offices, avg. $42,000–$52,000
Pros & Cons of RMA Jobs
Weighing the benefits and challenges of a Registered Medical Assistant career before committing.
- +Fast entry into healthcare — programs take 9–24 months vs. 4 years for nursing
- +Strong job security — 15% BLS projected growth through 2032
- +Variety of duties — clinical and administrative work prevents monotony
- +Clear advancement pathways to nursing, PA, or management roles
- +AMT certification recognized in all 50 states — geographic flexibility
- +Meaningful patient interaction and direct impact on care quality
- −Median salary ($42,000) is lower than many other healthcare roles
- −Physical demands — long shifts on your feet, exposure to illness
- −Scope of practice varies by state — some states have stricter task limitations
- −May require 3-year credential renewal with continuing education costs
- −Emotionally demanding — exposure to illness, end-of-life situations, patient stress
RMA Jobs Questions and Answers
More RMA Resources
About the Author
Registered Sanitarian & Food Safety Certification Expert
Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life SciencesThomas Wright is a Registered Sanitarian and HACCP-certified food safety professional with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science from Cornell University. He has 17 years of experience in food safety auditing, regulatory compliance, and foodservice management training. Thomas prepares food industry professionals for ServSafe Manager, HACCP certification, and state food handler examinations.