Medical Assistant in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Colorado employs 13,160 medical assistants, with a statewide median of $48,400 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Medical assistants Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $48,400 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $39,130
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $55,570
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $59,760
- Employed in Colorado
- 13,160
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $42,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for medical assistants in major Colorado markets:
- Denver
- $49,700 (6,440 employed)
- Boulder
- $48,590 (970 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $46,810
- Greeley
- $45,890 (470 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $45,730 (2,400 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $44,390 (460 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $48,400 median is worth closer to $46,945 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow medical assistants employment +27.2%, faster than the +12.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,080 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Colorado state license.
- Colorado does not license medical assistants.
- Complete a medical assistant program (certificate or associate).
- Earn CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) certification — not required by the state but preferred by most employers.
Official requirements: No Colorado state license →
Training in Colorado
One of the fastest clinic-based entries. Certification and a externship placement are what get you hired; it's a common stepping stone into nursing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Aims Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mesa University — Certificate / Associate
- Colorado Mountain College — Certificate / Associate
Where Medical assistants Work in Colorado
Real Colorado hospitals that employ medical assistants include:
- University of Colorado Hospital Authority — Aurora
- Hca Healthone Presbyterian St Luke's — Denver
- V a Hospital — Fort Lyon
- University Colo Health Memorial Hospital Central — Colorado Springs
- Denver Health Medical Center — Denver
- Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo — Pueblo
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 Colorado?
The median wage for medical assistants in Colorado is $48,400 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,130, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $59,760. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Medical Assistant in Colorado?
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Colorado state license. Colorado does not license medical assistants.
Is being a Medical Assistant a good career in Colorado?
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
Which Colorado metros pay medical assistants the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Denver leads at $49,700, followed by Boulder ($48,590), Fort Collins ($46,810). 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 Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Aims Community College, Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Mesa University. Most medical assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Medical Assistant a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects medical assistants employment to change +27.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,080 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), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Colorado 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 Colorado wages · Colorado 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.