In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
It’s a bit surprising at first glance that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ranks Ohio tenth for highest employment of medical assistants, especially since it’s not typically viewed as a healthcare powerhouse like California or New York. But when you dig a little deeper, it makes more sense. Consider these reasons:
- Ohio is the seventh most populous state in the U.S., with around 11.7 million people. More people means a higher demand for healthcare services, which translates into more jobs for medical assistants.
- Ohio has several major metropolitan areas—Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo and Akron. These cities have large hospital systems, outpatient clinics and private practices that need support staff like medical assistants.
- Ohio is home to nationally recognized hospital systems and these systems not only provide care but also serve as major employers and training centers, creating job pipelines for medical assistants.
- Ohio’s relatively low cost of living makes it easier for healthcare systems to operate large facilities and hire more staff compared to higher-cost states. Medical assistant salaries go further in Ohio than in, say, California.
- The state has a wide network of community colleges and vocational schools that offer medical assistant programs, increasing the local supply of skilled workers.
Overview of medical assistants in Ohio
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 23,210 medical assistants in Ohio, making it the 10th highest state for employment in the U.S. The median hourly wage is $19 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade at the national level is 12.5%.
Ohio is home to several prominent healthcare facilities, such as OhioHealth, Cleveland Clinic and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Medical assistants in Ohio aren’t just doing routine check-ins—they’re supporting primary care, specialty medicine, telehealth, research and outreach across diverse healthcare settings. Here are five prominent employers of medical assistants in Ohio and how they typically utilize medical assistant skills:
- Cleveland Clinic–Cleveland and statewide:
- The Cleveland Clinic is one of the top-ranked hospitals in the U.S., with extensive outpatient and specialty clinics where medical assistants are critical to maintaining patient flow and efficiency.
- OhioHealth–Columbus and central Ohio:
- OhioHealth operates dozens of hospitals and outpatient facilities and places a strong emphasis on integrated care, where medical assistants help bridge administrative and clinical gaps.
- University Hospitals–Cleveland and area:
- University Hospitals is a teaching hospital network, meaning medical assistants here often get exposure to cutting-edge treatments and interdisciplinary teams.
- Premier Health–Dayton and southwest Ohio:
- Premier Health is known for community-based care, so medical assistants often have more interaction with patients and families, especially in underserved areas.
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus:
- At OSU Wexner, medical assistants often gain experience in a dynamic, research-driven environment, which may be ideal for career growth.
Ohio medical assistant salary stats
Medical assistants earned a median salary of $44,200 at the national level in 2024, said the BLS. Actual pay can vary significantly based on factors such as location of workplace, your years of experience, earned professional certifications and level of education pursued.
Median salary for medical assistants in Ohio
Ohio has a lower cost of living compared to the national average, so while the median wage for medical assistants in Ohio may be lower than in some other states, the relative purchasing power is higher, making it a more affordable and sustainable place to live and work. Here are salaries at the statewide level and for highest paying metro areas in Ohio:
Medical Assistants
10%$35,270
25%$37,470
50%$40,430Median
75%$46,110
90%$48,300
Median Hourly Wage$19
Job growth12.5%
Total Employment23,210
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | $44,720 | $36,500 | $53,900 |
| Columbus, OH | $43,830 | $36,870 | $49,310 |
| Sandusky, OH | $43,600 | $36,320 | $61,090 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $43,480 | $35,740 | $48,610 |
| Lima, OH | $40,350 | $31,930 | $47,840 |
| Toledo, OH | $40,230 | $35,050 | $46,340 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $39,810 | $37,000 | $48,190 |
| Mansfield, OH | $39,120 | $34,960 | $44,690 |
| Akron, OH | $38,540 | $35,350 | $46,420 |
| Springfield, OH | $38,260 | $32,930 | $46,560 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for Ohio medical assistants
Within the state of Ohio, medical assistants can expect to earn anywhere between $35,270 for entry-level MAs and $48,300 for experienced MAs annually. In Ohio, the difference between entry-level and senior-level medical assistant pay is primarily influenced by work setting—meaning hospital vs. private practice—years of experience, earned professional credentials and any specialized skills.
What defines the levels?
| Entry-level | Senior-level | |
|---|---|---|
| Years of experience | 0 to 2 years experience | 5+ years experience |
| Certification | May or may not be certified (CMA, RMA) | Often certified and possibly has additional credentials |
| Education | Recently completed a certificate or associate degree program | May supervise other MAs, coordinate care teams or handle complex tasks |
| Supervision | Works under close supervision | Could work in teaching hospitals, surgical centers or research clinics; May train newer staff or serve as lead MA |
| Duties | Handles basic clinical and administrative tasks, such as vitals, scheduling, EMR updates | May be involved in workflow improvements or quality assurance |
Employment by metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within Ohio. Logically, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas because of demand and resources. According to BLS data, the Columbus metropolitan area has the highest employment level for medical assistants in Ohio. In terms of compensation, the Cleveland-Elyria metropolitan area offers the highest average annual wage for medical assistants in the state.
Here’s what the BLS reports as the highest employment numbers of medical assistants for the top 10 cities in the U.S. As you can see, Ohio doesn’t make the BLS’ top 10.
Ohio job outlook and growth
With a job growth rate of 12.5% nationally through 2034, Ohio is below the national average. O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, reported that Ohio will have a 9% job growth rate through 2030, and the state will employ an additional 3,160 medical assistants during that same timeframe.
Factors that impact medical assistant pay in Ohio
Several elements can influence a medical assistant’s salary. Four biggest factors that impact a medical assistant’s pay in Ohio are:
Experience and certification level:
Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistants (RMA) typically earn more than non-certified peers. With more experience, MAs are trusted with higher-level duties, such as managing other MAs and assisting in specialized procedures, which may boost pay. Employers often offer tiered pay scales based on years of service and skill level.
Type of employer:
Hospitals and large healthcare systems may pay more than small private practices, and working in specialty care such as cardiology, oncology or orthopedics may also offer higher wages due to the complexity and demand for precision. Outpatient clinics and surgical centers often offer better pay and benefits than walk-in urgent care or primary care offices.
Economy:
The broader economy does affect healthcare budgets, but medical assistant jobs tend to be recession-resistant due to consistent demand for healthcare. Economic downturns might slow hiring or raise workloads, but don’t drastically cut wages.
Geography and location’s cost of living:
Wages vary by metro area, with Cleveland-Elyria paying more than Toledo or Youngstown. Areas with higher living costs or hospital competition may push wages up and urban centers with teaching hospitals and research institutions also tend to pay more.
Why is Ohio a good state to be a medical assistant?
The best reason to choose Ohio to become a medical assistant is its unique combination of high job availability and low cost of living, which maximizes job security and financial stability early in your career. Here’s how this sets Ohio apart from other states:
High employment demand: Ohio consistently ranks among the top 10 states for medical assistant employment, offering abundant job openings across multiple healthcare systems and cities.
Affordable living: Compared to states with similar job volumes such as California, Texas or Florida, Ohio offers a much lower cost of housing, transportation and utilities, meaning your paycheck goes further.
Career mobility: Large, nationally recognized hospital systems provide built-in pathways to grow your career—from medical assisting to nursing, tech roles or healthcare admin—without leaving the state.
Ohio medical assistant education path
Here’s a brief overview of the education path to become a medical assistant in Ohio:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED:
- This is the minimum requirement to enter a medical assistant program. Strong grades in biology, health and anatomy are helpful.
- Complete an accredited medical assisting education program:
- Most programs last between nine months and two years, depending upon the credential earned. A certificate program typical takes nine months to one year and an associate degree program usually takes two years to complete. Program curriculum and content includes clinical skills, administrative training, anatomy and medical terminology and should provide an externship in a healthcare setting.
- Earn certification:
- While Ohio does not require certification, many employers strongly prefer or require it. Common national certifications include Certified medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Clinical Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA). You must pass an exam and graduate from an accredited program to qualify.
- Apply for jobs:
- You can start working after completing your program and externship—certification may help job prospects and pay.
- Consider your career growth:
- Some medical assistants in Ohio later pursue roles such as licensed practical nurse (LPN), medical office manager, phlebotomist or EKG technician.
State salary guides for medical assistants
Trying to figure out where to begin or further your medical assistant career? Salary may be a consideration when choosing where to practice your allied healthcare career, so doing your research is important. Here are salary guides for some popular states:
Cost of living in Ohio
Ohio has one of the most affordable costs of living in the U.S., ranking at 94.2 on the 2025 Cost of Living Index (COLI)—meaning it’s around 5% to 6% cheaper than the U.S. average. Housing is especially affordable, with median home prices and rents significantly lower than in many coastal or urbanized states. For medical assistants, this means wages go further, covering essentials like housing, food, transportation and healthcare more comfortably. To optimize earnings, medical assistants should consider cities like Dayton, Akron and Toledo, where living costs are low but job opportunities remain steady. However, Columbus and Cleveland offer a balance of higher wages and career growth in large hospital systems, while still maintaining moderate living expenses compared to major metros in other states.
Ohio professional associations for medical assistants
Ohio has a dedicated professional association for medical assistants: the Ohio State Society of Medical Assistants (OSSMA). OSSMA is the official state affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and serves as a central hub for medical assistants across Ohio. It offers continuing education opportunities, networking events, scholarships, leadership development and resources to help MAs stay current with industry standards and best practices. Membership in OSSMA is automatically included when you join the AAMA.
OSSMA is organized into regional chapters throughout the state, including areas like Southwest Ohio, Montgomery County, Northwest Ohio, Cuyahoga County, Franklin County and Summit County. These chapters host local meetings, workshops and community outreach events, providing members with opportunities for professional growth and connection within their local healthcare communities.