Registered Nurses (RNs) earn significantly more than Medical Assistants (MAs). As of 2025, the average annual salary for an RN in the United States is between $93,000 and $98,000, while the average for a Medical Assistant ranges from $44,000 to $50,000 often less than half of what an RN makes.
Here’s a quick comparison of national averages:
| Role | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $93,000 – $98,000 | $45 – $47 |
| Medical Assistant | $44,000 – $50,000 | $21 – $24 |
Why RNs Earn More
- Education: RNs complete a 2–4 year nursing degree (Associate or Bachelor’s) and must pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Medical Assistants typically finish a 9–18 month certificate or diploma program.
- Scope of Practice: RNs assess patients, administer medications and IVs, create care plans, and manage emergencies. MAs primarily take vital signs, prepare patients for exams, handle scheduling, and perform basic lab tasks.
- Responsibility & Liability: RNs carry greater clinical responsibility and legal accountability, which is reflected in higher pay.
Location Matters
Salaries vary by state and city. For example:
- California: RNs average over $124,000; MAs top out around $55,000.
- Lower-cost states (e.g., Mississippi, Alabama): RNs earn $65,000–$75,000; MAs around $35,000–$40,000.
Which Path Is Right for You?
If higher income and career growth are priorities, becoming an RN is the clearer choice many advance to six-figure roles in specialties or leadership. If you want to enter healthcare quickly with less schooling and debt, starting as a Medical Assistant is faster and still rewarding. Many MAs later bridge into nursing programs while working.
Bottom line: RNs earn roughly double what Medical Assistants make due to advanced training and responsibility.