Average Pay for CNAs vs Medical Assistants
Certified nursing assistants earned a median annual wage of about $30,310 as of May 2023, with hourly pay around $14.57 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS Occupational Outlook. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $22,000, while the top 10 percent made over $44,000, with hospitals and nursing care facilities offering the highest concentrations of CNA roles.
Medical assistants earned a median annual wage of about $38,270 in May 2023, with hourly pay near $18.40, per the same federal labor data. Outpatient care centers paid the highest median wages for medical assistants, followed by hospitals and physicians' offices, and employment of medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than average through 2032.
Top Employers and Regional Pay Differences
Largest CNA Employers and Pay
Major nursing care chains such as Brookdale Senior Living, Apria Healthcare, and Maxim Healthcare Services employ large numbers of CNAs, with pay often varying by state cost of living and facility type. In states such as Alaska, California, and New York, CNA pay is notably higher, while rural areas in the Southeast tend to offer lower wages.
Largest MA Employers and Pay
Health systems and outpatient groups such as Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, and DaVita employ significant numbers of medical assistants, with compensation influenced by specialty and location. Urban markets and regions with high demand for clinical support staff typically offer stronger pay packages for medical assistants than rural or lower-cost areas.
Certification, Role Differences, and Pay Impact
CNAs usually complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam to be listed on the state registry, with duties focused on direct patient care such as bathing, feeding, and vital signs under licensed nursing supervision. Medical assistants often complete a postsecondary certificate or associate program and may hold credentials such as CMA or RMA, with responsibilities spanning clinical tasks and administrative work in physician offices and clinics.
Certification and specialization can raise earnings for both roles, with CNAs who move into specialized units or travel positions often earning more than entry-level staff. Similarly, medical assistants with additional skills in phlebotomy, EKG, or electronic health records may command higher pay, especially in competitive metropolitan markets where healthcare systems recruit aggressively for qualified support staff.