Medical Assistant Salary in San Francisco
2026 compensation data for Medical Assistant positions in San Francisco, CA. Ranges from $43,000 (entry-level) to $92,000 (senior). Median: $62,000.
Median (Mid)
$62,000
$29.81/hr
vs National
+5%
US: $59,000
COL Index
180
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$92,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $43,000 | $49,000 | $57,000 | $23.56/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $54,000 | $62,000 | $73,000 | $29.81/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $68,000 | $78,000 | $92,000 | $37.5/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in San Francisco
A mid-level medical assistant earning $62,000 in San Francisco has the same buying power as $34,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 180).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Medical Assistant Salaries in San Francisco
The median medical assistant salary in San Francisco, CA is $62,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 180 (national average = 100), San Francisco offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level medical assistants in San Francisco can expect to earn between $43,000 and $57,000 (about $23.56/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $92,000 ($92K annually, or about $44.23/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in San Francisco
What is the average Medical Assistant salary in San Francisco?+
The average Medical Assistant salary in San Francisco is $62,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $49,000 and senior-level pay reaches $78,000.
How much does an entry-level medical assistant make in San Francisco?+
Entry-level medical assistants in San Francisco earn between $43,000 and $57,000, with a median of $49,000 per year (about $23.56/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Medical Assistant in San Francisco?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Medical Assistant in San Francisco earns roughly $23.56/hour at entry-level, $29.81/hour at mid-level, and $37.5/hour at senior-level.
Is the Medical Assistant salary in San Francisco higher than the US average?+
Yes — Medical Assistant salaries in San Francisco are about 5% higher than the US national median of $59,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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