Medical Assistant in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Minnesota employs 10,580 medical assistants, with a statewide median of $50,480 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Medical assistants Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $50,480 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $40,110
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $58,540
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $60,100
- Employed in Minnesota
- 10,580
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $42,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for medical assistants in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $52,570 (7,390 employed)
- Rochester
- $49,830 (440 employed)
- Duluth
- $47,990 (750 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $47,750 (330 employed)
- Fargo
- $47,280 (290 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $43,760 (620 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,480 median stretches to roughly $51,197 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow medical assistants employment +15.9%, faster than the +12.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,690 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Minnesota state license.
- Minnesota 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 Minnesota state license →
Training in Minnesota
One of the fastest clinic-based entries. Certification and an externship placement are what get you hired; big MN health systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Alexandria Technical & Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Anoka Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Anoka-Ramsey Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Certificate / Associate
Where Medical assistants Work in Minnesota
Real Minnesota hospitals that employ medical assistants include:
- Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester — Rochester
- M Health Fairview University of MN Medical Center — Minneapolis
- VA Hosp — Saint Cloud
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital — Minneapolis
- Hennepin County Medical Center — Minneapolis
- United Hospital — Saint Paul
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 Minnesota?
The median wage for medical assistants in Minnesota is $50,480 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $40,110, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $60,100. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Medical Assistant in Minnesota?
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Minnesota state license. Minnesota does not license medical assistants.
Is being a Medical Assistant a good career in Minnesota?
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
Which Minnesota metros pay medical assistants the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $52,570, followed by Rochester ($49,830), Duluth ($47,990). 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 Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Alexandria Technical & Community College, Anoka Technical College, Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Most medical assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Medical Assistant a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects medical assistants employment to change +15.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,690 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), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Minnesota 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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.