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2,800+ OPENINGS 9% Job Growth

Medical Assistant Jobs in Washington

$50K median salary • Top employers hiring now

Washington's healthcare industry employs approximately 400,000 workers in a state dominated by Seattle's healthcare giants. UW Medicine provides academic leadership with #1 primary care ranking. Providence, Swedish, and MultiCare compete across the Puget Sound. The state ranks 12th in health outcomes. No state income tax maximizes take-home pay despite higher cost of living. Tech industry presence influences healthcare innovation. Eastern Washington offers affordable alternatives to Seattle.

2,800+
Annual Jobs
$50K
Median Salary
9%
Job Growth
$0
To Train
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Medical Assistant Jobs in Washington

Who This Training Is For

Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Washington employers.

New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.

Externship Disclaimer

EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.

Washington Healthcare Industry

Understanding the WA healthcare job market:

Washington's healthcare industry employs approximately 400,000 workers in a state dominated by Seattle's healthcare giants. UW Medicine provides academic leadership with #1 primary care ranking. Providence, Swedish, and MultiCare compete across the Puget Sound. The state ranks 12th in health outcomes. No state income tax maximizes take-home pay despite higher cost of living. Tech industry presence influences healthcare innovation. Eastern Washington offers affordable alternatives to Seattle.

400,000
Healthcare Workers
100
Hospitals
#12
Health Ranking
118.7%
Cost of Living

Medical Assistant Salary in Washington

WA salary ranges by experience level:

Salary by Experience

Entry-Level
(0-1 years)
$38,000
Mid-Level
(2-4 years)
$50,000
Experienced
(5+ years)
$56,000

What Affects Your Salary

Seattle pays highest in America—among top CMA wages nationally. No state income tax adds 5-9% to take-home pay. Cost of living at 119% requires high wages. Spokane and Eastern WA offer affordability. Multiple competing Seattle systems drive wages. Tech influence creates innovation premium.

Top Medical Assistant Employers in Washington

Washington features competing Seattle systems and statewide networks:

UW Medicine

150 hires/yr

Seattle

University of Washington's academic health system—#1 ranked primary care. CMAs work in top academic environment. State employee benefits. Harborview trauma center included.

Providence Swedish

200 hires/yr

Seattle, statewide

Seattle's largest health system after Providence-Swedish merger. CMAs have extensive Puget Sound mobility. Catholic mission with comprehensive benefits.

MultiCare Health System

120 hires/yr

Tacoma, Puget Sound (10 hospitals)

Tacoma-based system with 10 hospitals. CMAs enjoy South Sound living with lower costs than Seattle. Growing network presence.

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health

85 hires/yr

Seattle, Tacoma

Seattle's Virginia Mason merged with Franciscan. CMAs benefit from combined network. Known for Lean healthcare innovation.

Providence Health & Services Washington

75 hires/yr

Eastern WA, Spokane

Providence's Eastern Washington presence. CMAs enjoy Spokane affordability. Part of larger Providence network with mobility options.

Kaiser Permanente Washington

70 hires/yr

Seattle, Puget Sound

Integrated health plan and delivery system. CMAs work in Kaiser's team-based model. Strong benefits including retirement.

WA Job Market by Region

Where the jobs are in Washington:

Region Annual Openings % of State
Seattle Metro/King County1,260+45%
Tacoma/Pierce County365+13%
Spokane310+11%
Vancouver/Clark County225+8%
Everett/Snohomish County200+7%
Olympia/Thurston County115+4%

Success Stories from Washington

“UW Medicine is #1 ranked primary care in America—the academic environment is exceptional. Seattle is expensive but no state income tax helps significantly. I work with world-class physicians. Mountains and water everywhere. Tech industry creates innovative healthcare culture.”

Amy L.

Clinical Medical Assistant

UW Medicine

Started at $48K at UW. #1 ranking with no income tax in Pacific Northwest.

“I chose Tacoma over Seattle deliberately—still Puget Sound but 30% cheaper living. MultiCare is a solid system growing fast. No state income tax applies everywhere in Washington. I can afford a house here. Smart move.”

Michael J.

CMA - Primary Care

MultiCare

Earning $46K in affordable Tacoma. Seattle wages without Seattle costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Seattle-area CMAs earn enough to offset the high cost of living?
Yes, for most. Seattle CMA wages ($52k-$58k median) are 15-20% above national average, while no state income tax adds another 5-9% to take-home pay. However, Seattle's 172% cost of living index means housing costs are significant. Many CMAs commute from Tacoma, Everett, or Kent where housing is 30-40% cheaper while still accessing Seattle wages. Eastern Washington offers median wages around $44k with much lower living costs.
How prestigious is UW Medicine?
#1 ranked primary care in America. University of Washington academic excellence. Harborview trauma center included. State employee benefits. National research leadership. Top academic environment.
Is Seattle's cost of living worth the wages?
Depends. Seattle wages are highest nationally but cost of living is 119% of average. No income tax helps. Many find it worthwhile for lifestyle and career. Tacoma and Spokane offer better value.
How does Eastern Washington compare?
Dramatically more affordable—Spokane is 80% of Seattle's cost. Providence serves the region. Wages lower but purchasing power often higher. Different lifestyle—four seasons, less rain. Good value proposition.
What's the job outlook for CMAs in Washington?
Washington's CMA market grows at 9% annually with 2,800+ openings. Tech sector growth drives healthcare expansion. Strong outlook through 2034 across all regions.

Medical Assistant Certification in Nearby States

Oregon Idaho California Montana

Start Your Clinical Healthcare Career in Washington

Washington's healthcare industry employs approximately 400,000 workers in a state dominated by Seattle's healthcare giants. UW Medicine provides academic leadership with #1 primary care ranking. Providence, Swedish, and MultiCare compete across the Puget Sound. The state ranks 12th in health outcomes. No state income tax maximizes take-home pay despite higher cost of living. Tech industry presence influences healthcare innovation. Eastern Washington offers affordable alternatives to Seattle.

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