Medical Assistant in Alaska: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Alaska employs 2,140 medical assistants, with a statewide median of $52,560 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Alaska licensing picture, and where to train.
What Medical assistants Earn in Alaska (May 2025)
- Alaska median pay
- $52,560 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,060
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,510
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $65,040
- Employed in Alaska
- 2,140
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $42,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for medical assistants in major Alaska markets:
- Fairbanks
- $52,140 (180 employed)
- Anchorage
- $51,930 (1,370 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Alaska
Prices in Alaska run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $52,560 median is worth closer to $51,328 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Alaska (2024–2034)
Alaska is projected to grow medical assistants employment +10.2%, slower than the +12.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 300 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Alaska License and Certification Requirements
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Alaska state license.
- Alaska does not license medical assistants.
- Complete a medical assistant program (certificate or associate).
- Earn CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) certification — preferred by most clinics and a common stepping stone into nursing.
Official requirements: No Alaska state license →
Training in Alaska
One of the fastest clinic-based entries. Certification and an externship placement are what get you hired.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Alaska include:
- Alaska Career College — Certificate
- Charter College — Certificate / Associate
- University of Alaska Anchorage — Certificate / Associate
- University of Alaska Fairbanks — Certificate / Associate
Where Medical assistants Work in Alaska
Real Alaska hospitals that employ medical assistants include:
- Providence Alaska Medical Center — Anchorage
- US Public Health Service Hosp — Anchorage
- Alaska Regional Hospital — Anchorage
- Alaska Native Medical Center — Anchorage
- Harborview Mem Hosp — Valdez
- Fairbanks Memorial Hospital — Fairbanks
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want the fastest entry into clinical healthcare and are comfortable with both patient care and administrative tasks.
Think twice if: A pay ceiling in the low-to-mid $40s and a broad scope of low-autonomy tasks sounds frustrating rather than engaging.
Why it's resilient: Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
First Steps
Look for accredited medical assistant programs at community colleges — many run 9–12 months and include an externship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Alaska?
The median wage for medical assistants in Alaska is $52,560 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,060, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $65,040. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Medical Assistant in Alaska?
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Alaska state license. Alaska does not license medical assistants.
Is being a Medical Assistant a good career in Alaska?
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
Which Alaska metros pay medical assistants the most?
Among Alaska metro areas, Fairbanks leads at $52,140, followed by Anchorage ($51,930). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Medical Assistant in Alaska?
Real Alaska options include Alaska Career College, Charter College, University of Alaska Anchorage. Most medical assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Medical Assistant a growing career in Alaska?
Alaska projects medical assistants employment to change +10.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 300 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Alaska statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Alaska state license (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Alaska wages · Alaska licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.