National Salary Overview
VS
Medical Assistants earns $1,331 more (3.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$44,602
$43,271
Average (Mean) Salary
$45,471
$44,310
Total Employment
817,850
33,860
States with Higher Pay
26
13
Salary by State: Medical Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides
Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Medical Assistants pays more in 26 states; Psychiatric Aides pays more in 13.
| State | Medical Assistants | Psychiatric Aides | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $36,100 | $27,150 | +$8,950 | ||
| Alaska | $52,560 | $49,300 | +$3,260 | ||
| Arkansas | $37,760 | $36,270 | +$1,490 | ||
| California | $49,660 | $47,500 | +$2,160 | ||
| Colorado | $48,400 | $46,130 | +$2,270 | ||
| Connecticut | $47,430 | $44,660 | +$2,770 | ||
| Florida | $43,680 | $37,930 | +$5,750 | ||
| Georgia | $41,600 | $36,790 | +$4,810 | ||
| Hawaii | $48,410 | $52,310 | $-3,900 | ||
| Illinois | $46,090 | $48,670 | $-2,580 | ||
| Indiana | $45,110 | $44,860 | +$250 | ||
| Iowa | $45,480 | $39,260 | +$6,220 | ||
| Kansas | $39,510 | $38,390 | +$1,120 | ||
| Kentucky | $39,270 | $38,610 | +$660 | ||
| Louisiana | $36,320 | $30,030 | +$6,290 | ||
| Maine | $47,580 | $46,720 | +$860 | ||
| Maryland | $46,410 | $51,440 | $-5,030 | ||
| Massachusetts | $49,460 | $45,300 | +$4,160 | ||
| Michigan | $39,870 | $45,800 | $-5,930 | ||
| Minnesota | $50,480 | $55,040 | $-4,560 | ||
| Mississippi | $35,360 | $30,510 | +$4,850 | ||
| Missouri | $40,440 | $39,840 | +$600 | ||
| Montana | $46,820 | $46,340 | +$480 | ||
| Nevada | $45,200 | $51,400 | $-6,200 | ||
| New Jersey | $47,210 | $45,780 | +$1,430 | ||
| New York | $48,000 | $50,220 | $-2,220 | ||
| North Carolina | $45,140 | $38,400 | +$6,740 | ||
| Ohio | $42,810 | $38,480 | +$4,330 | ||
| Oklahoma | $38,750 | $44,960 | $-6,210 | ||
| Oregon | $50,410 | $48,300 | +$2,110 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $43,920 | $44,790 | $-870 | ||
| Rhode Island | $47,190 | $51,100 | $-3,910 | ||
| South Carolina | $41,160 | $36,320 | +$4,840 | ||
| Texas | $39,520 | $42,560 | $-3,040 | ||
| Utah | $45,360 | $40,810 | +$4,550 | ||
| Vermont | $47,250 | $47,860 | $-610 | ||
| Virginia | $44,740 | $37,280 | +$7,460 | ||
| Washington | $59,290 | $52,570 | +$6,720 | ||
| West Virginia | $37,180 | $37,910 | $-730 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Medical Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Medical Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
On average across all states, a Medical Assistants earns more than a Psychiatric Aides. The national median salary difference is $1,331 (3.1%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Medical Assistants earn more than a Psychiatric Aides?
A Medical Assistants earns a higher median salary than a Psychiatric Aides in 26 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Psychiatric Aides pays more in 13 states.
What is the median salary for a Medical Assistants vs Psychiatric Aides?
The national median salary for a Medical Assistants is $44,602 per year, compared to $43,271 for a Psychiatric Aides, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Medical Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
There are more people employed as Medical Assistants. BLS reports approximately 817,850 Medical Assistants positions and 33,860 Psychiatric Aides positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Medical Assistants or Psychiatric Aides?
Both Medical Assistants and Psychiatric Aides 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.
Explore Career Options
Build My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.