Medical Assistants vs Medical Transcriptionists: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Medical Assistants

Median Salary
$41,533
Average (Mean)
$42,404
Employed Nationwide
763,020
VS

Medical Transcriptionists

Median Salary
$38,110
Average (Mean)
$39,529
Employed Nationwide
48,840
Medical Assistants earns $3,423 more (9.0%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $41,533 $38,110
Average (Mean) Salary $42,404 $39,529
Total Employment 763,020 48,840
States with Higher Pay 39 11

Salary by State: Medical Assistants vs Medical Transcriptionists

Showing 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. Medical Assistants pays more in 39 states; Medical Transcriptionists pays more in 11.

State Medical Assistants Medical Transcriptionists Difference
Alabama $34,050
$39,310
$-5,260
Alaska $50,160
$43,580
+$6,580
Arizona $43,770
$34,550
+$9,220
Arkansas $35,050
$32,970
+$2,080
California $46,690
$38,130
+$8,560
Colorado $45,770
$40,670
+$5,100
Connecticut $45,780
$48,050
$-2,270
Delaware $40,250
$42,250
$-2,000
District of Columbia $48,710
$35,580
+$13,130
Florida $38,340
$36,870
+$1,470
Georgia $38,060
$27,590
+$10,470
Hawaii $46,930
$47,840
$-910
Idaho $40,670
$34,620
+$6,050
Illinois $42,850
$34,410
+$8,440
Indiana $40,680
$39,490
+$1,190
Iowa $42,980
$41,720
+$1,260
Kansas $37,670
$31,570
+$6,100
Kentucky $37,140
$36,670
+$470
Louisiana $34,280
$34,150
+$130
Maine $44,610
$46,820
$-2,210
Maryland $44,010
$37,440
+$6,570
Massachusetts $47,770
$43,180
+$4,590
Michigan $38,300
$33,290
+$5,010
Minnesota $48,890
$49,290
$-400
Mississippi $34,040
$33,280
+$760
Missouri $38,260
$29,890
+$8,370
Montana $44,040
$41,920
+$2,120
Nebraska $39,870
$34,940
+$4,930
Nevada $39,940
$35,960
+$3,980
New Hampshire $46,240
$35,360
+$10,880
New Jersey $45,340
$38,190
+$7,150
New Mexico $37,640
$28,460
+$9,180
New York $45,440
$39,690
+$5,750
North Carolina $40,190
$28,150
+$12,040
North Dakota $40,880
$44,690
$-3,810
Ohio $38,280
$36,150
+$2,130
Oklahoma $37,240
$28,640
+$8,600
Oregon $48,350
$39,520
+$8,830
Pennsylvania $39,480
$36,520
+$2,960
Rhode Island $43,980
$44,980
$-1,000
South Carolina $37,420
$34,320
+$3,100
South Dakota $36,280
$42,120
$-5,840
Tennessee $37,350
$36,610
+$740
Texas $37,570
$34,710
+$2,860
Utah $40,270
$36,830
+$3,440
Virginia $40,240
$37,660
+$2,580
Washington $52,600
$47,800
+$4,800
West Virginia $34,340
$31,630
+$2,710
Wisconsin $46,320
$47,640
$-1,320
Wyoming $38,730
$49,820
$-11,090

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Medical Assistants or Medical Transcriptionists?
On average across all states, a Medical Assistants earns more than a Medical Transcriptionists. The national median salary difference is $3,423 (9.0%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Medical Assistants earn more than a Medical Transcriptionists?
A Medical Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Medical Transcriptionists in 39 out of 50 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Medical Transcriptionists pays more in 11 states.
What is the median salary for a Medical Assistants vs Medical Transcriptionists?
The national median salary for a Medical Assistants is $41,533 per year, compared to $38,110 for a Medical Transcriptionists, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Medical Assistants or Medical Transcriptionists?
There are more people employed as Medical Assistants. BLS reports approximately 763,020 Medical Assistants positions and 48,840 Medical Transcriptionists positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Medical Assistants or Medical Transcriptionists?
Both Medical Assistants and Medical Transcriptionists are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.