Medical Assistant in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Oregon employs 11,840 medical assistants, with a statewide median of $50,410 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Medical assistants Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $50,410 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $43,760
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,160
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $62,160
- Employed in Oregon
- 11,840
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $42,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for medical assistants in major Oregon markets:
- Portland
- $56,240 (6,390 employed)
- Albany
- $50,480 (200 employed)
- Salem
- $50,240 (1,090 employed)
- Bend
- $50,080 (840 employed)
- Eugene
- $49,980 (1,040 employed)
- Medford
- $48,820 (900 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $50,410 median is worth closer to $48,752 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to grow medical assistants employment +19.0%, faster than the +12.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,840 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Oregon state license.
- Oregon 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 Oregon state license →
Training in Oregon
One of the fastest clinic-based entries. Certification and an externship placement are what get you hired.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:
- Blue Mountain Community College — Certificate
- Carrington College-Portland — Certificate
- Central Oregon Community College — Certificate
- Chemeketa Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Medical assistants Work in Oregon
Real Oregon hospitals that employ medical assistants include:
- Oregon State Hospital Distinct Part — Salem
- Ohsu Hospital and Clinics — Portland
- Legacy Emanuel Medical Center — Portland
- VA Hosp — Portland
- Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center — Portland
- Oregon State Hospital- Salem — Salem
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 Oregon?
The median wage for medical assistants in Oregon is $50,410 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $43,760, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $62,160. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Medical Assistant in Oregon?
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Oregon state license. Oregon does not license medical assistants.
Is being a Medical Assistant a good career in Oregon?
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
Which Oregon metros pay medical assistants the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $56,240, followed by Albany ($50,480), Salem ($50,240). 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 Oregon?
Real Oregon options include Blue Mountain Community College, Carrington College-Portland, Central Oregon 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 Oregon?
Oregon projects medical assistants employment to change +19.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,840 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), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Oregon 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 Oregon wages · Oregon 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.