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 |
Got an offer? Don't leave money on the table.
Practice negotiating this salaryWhat 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
Support clinical operations through patient intake, vitals, charting, and administrative tasks. This page covers medical assistant compensation specifically in San Francisco, CA.
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.
Negotiating a Medical Assistant offer in San Francisco?
Stop guessing. Get personalized scripts, market insights, and expert tactics for your specific situation using our free AI negotiation coach.
Medical Assistant Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in San Francisco
Know Your Worth as a Medical Assistant in San Francisco
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers