Who gets paid more, CNA or MA?

Oct 30

For anyone entering the healthcare field, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Medical Assistant (MA) programs are two of the most popular—and fastest—ways to start working. Both careers involve patient care, but they differ in responsibilities, education, and pay. One of the most common questions is which role earns more.

The short answer: Medical Assistants (MAs) generally get paid more than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). However, the difference varies depending on state, certification, experience, and the type of healthcare facility.

Average National Salary Comparison

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and 2025 job market data:

Medical Assistant (MA)
- Average Salary: $45,000–$48,000 per year
- Average Hourly Pay: $22–$24 per hour
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Average Salary: $38,000–$41,000 per year
- Average Hourly Pay: $18–$20 per hour

Medical Assistants earn about 20 percent more on average than CNAs. This pay difference reflects their broader range of responsibilities, longer training programs, and the mix of administrative and clinical duties they perform.

Why Medical Assistants Earn More

1. Expanded Skill Set
Medical Assistants perform both administrative and clinical work. They assist doctors, conduct basic lab tests, draw blood, administer medications, take patient histories, and schedule appointments. CNAs focus primarily on direct personal care, such as bathing, feeding, and assisting patients with mobility in hospitals or nursing homes.

2. Education and Certification
Medical Assistant programs typically take 9 to 12 months to complete and include externships that provide clinical experience. Many MAs pursue national certifications such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).

In comparison, CNA programs are shorter—often 4 to 12 weeks—and focus mainly on basic patient care skills. While this means CNAs can start working faster, MAs have more advanced training, which translates to higher pay.

3. Work Setting
Most CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities, where pay rates tend to be lower. Medical Assistants, however, typically work in physicians’ offices, clinics, and outpatient centers, where salaries are higher.

State-by-State Pay Differences

Wages vary widely across the country. In high-cost states like California, Massachusetts, and Alaska, both CNAs and MAs earn significantly more.

Examples of average 2025 pay by state:

California
- MA: $52,000
- CNA: $43,000
Texas
- MA: $44,000
- CNA: $38,000
Florida
- MA: $42,000
- CNA: $36,000
New York
- MA: $50,000
- CNA: $41,000

The gap remains consistent—Medical Assistants usually earn $5,000 to $10,000 more per year than CNAs in most regions.

Job Outlook

Both careers have excellent job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14 percent growth for Medical Assistants and 8 percent growth for CNAs between 2024 and 2034. The demand for both is driven by an aging population and the ongoing expansion of healthcare services nationwide.

Medical Assistants are increasingly in demand as doctors rely on them to handle both front-office and patient-care tasks, while CNAs remain vital in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Career Advancement

Medical Assistants often have more options for career advancement. With additional education, MAs can move into roles such as:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Healthcare Administrator
Clinical Office Manager

CNAs can also advance, but typically through nursing school programs. Many CNAs later train to become LPNs or RNs, which can significantly boost earning potential.

Training and Cost Comparison

CNA Training: 4–12 weeks; costs range from $1,000 to $2,500
MA Training: 9–12 months; costs range from $10,000 to $18,000

Although MA programs take longer and cost more, graduates usually earn higher salaries and have broader career mobility.

The Bottom Line

So, who gets paid more—CNA or MA?
Medical Assistants consistently earn higher salaries due to their broader skill sets, longer education, and more varied work environments.

However, CNAs remain a vital part of healthcare, providing personal care and support in hospitals and nursing homes. CNA training is faster and more affordable, making it a great entry point for those who want to start working quickly or later advance to nursing.

If you want to enter healthcare fast, CNA programs get you working within weeks. If you want a more versatile career with higher income potential, medical assisting is the better long-term choice.

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Sources
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
https://www.aama-ntl.org/
https://www.nhanow.com/
https://www.amt1.com/
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/medical-assistant.aspx
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/nursing-assistant.aspx