In the healthcare field, salary comparisons between Medical Assistants (MAs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) often highlight a clear disparity driven by education, responsibilities, and demand. As of 2025, Registered Nurses consistently earn significantly more than Medical Assistants, with national averages showing RNs making nearly double the income of MAs. This gap reflects the advanced training and broader scope of practice for RNs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data released in 2025, the median annual salary for RNs is $93,600, or about $45 per hour. This can rise to over $110,000 in high-demand states like California or Massachusetts, especially for those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or specialized certifications. Entry-level RNs often start around $75,000, with top earners in hospitals or critical care exceeding $120,000.
In contrast, MAs earn a median of $44,200 annually, or roughly $21 per hour. Entry-level positions begin at $35,000, while experienced or certified MAs in urban areas might reach $50,000–$55,000. Salaries vary by setting outpatient clinics pay less than hospitals but growth remains steady at 12% through 2034, outpacing many occupations.
Why the Difference?
- Education and Training: MAs complete short certificate programs (9–12 months) focused on administrative and basic clinical tasks like vital checks and scheduling. RNs require 2–4 years of degree programs (ADN or BSN) plus the rigorous NCLEX-RN exam, enabling complex duties like medication administration and patient advocacy.
- Scope of Practice: MAs support physicians with routine care, while RNs lead care teams, make clinical judgments, and handle emergencies commanding higher pay for greater liability and expertise.
- Job Outlook: Both roles are in high demand due to aging populations, but RNs offer more advancement paths, such as to Nurse Practitioners (earning $130,000+).
Factors Influencing Pay
Salaries fluctuate by location (e.g., urban vs. rural), experience, certifications, and employer type. Unionized RN roles or travel nursing can boost earnings by 20–30%. For MAs, specializing in specialties like cardiology adds value but doesn't close the gap.
Career Advice
If quick entry into healthcare appeals, start as an MA it's a low-barrier stepping stone to RN programs via bridge pathways. For higher earnings and autonomy, invest in RN training; the return on time and tuition is substantial. Ultimately, RNs get paid more, but both roles are vital and rewarding.