Traveling medical assistants (TMAs) play a vital role in healthcare, offering flexibility and crucial support to facilities across regions. As the healthcare industry continues to expand, demand for these professionals grows—along with competitive compensation. In 2025, TMAs are seeing strong earning potential due to workforce shortages, increased healthcare needs, and greater reliance on mobile and temporary staff.
Here’s a deep dive into the average salary, influencing factors, benefits, and job outlook for traveling medical assistants in 2025.
🧾 Average Traveling Medical Assistant Salary in 2025
As of mid-2025, the average salary for a traveling medical assistant in the United States is $53,000 to $67,000 annually, depending on factors like region, certifications, and experience. Weekly pay typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,300, though high-demand areas may offer more.
Take-Home Pay for a $103K Salary
Some highly experienced or specialty-certified TMAs can earn up to $100K+ per year. For a gross salary of $103,000, the estimated take-home pay after federal and state taxes (depending on your location) would range between $70,000 to $78,000 annually, or roughly $5,800–$6,500 per month.
🔍 Factors That Influence Traveling MA Salaries
Several factors affect the salary you can expect as a traveling medical assistant:
Location: Urban centers and states with higher living costs (e.g., California, New York, Massachusetts) tend to offer higher pay.
Experience: Entry-level TMAs earn less, while those with 5+ years of experience can command premium rates.
Certifications: Holding credentials like Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) can increase earning potential.
Facility Type: Hospitals, surgical centers, and specialty clinics often pay more than family practices or urgent care.
Shift and Contract Terms: Night shifts, last-minute assignments, and long-term contracts usually offer bonuses or higher rates.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $42,000 – $48,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 years) | $49,000 – $58,000 |
| Experienced (6–9 years) | $59,000 – $70,000 |
| Senior-Level (10+ years) | $70,000 – $85,000+ |
💡 Benefits of Being a Traveling Medical Assistant
Choosing to become a traveling MA has several perks beyond just salary:
Paid Housing or Stipends: Many agencies offer free housing or tax-free stipends.
Flexible Work Schedule: Choose contracts across states or seasons.
Travel Reimbursement: Costs like airfare and mileage are often covered.
Bonuses: Sign-on, completion, and referral bonuses are common.
Networking and Growth: Exposure to diverse medical environments enhances your skills and career growth.
🎯 Job Outlook in 2025
The job outlook for medical assistants is projected to grow by 16% from 2024 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Traveling medical assistants are particularly in demand due to staffing shortages, rural healthcare needs, and temporary coverage for vacations or leaves.
States with high demand in 2025 include:
California
Texas
Florida
Arizona
North Carolina
🎓 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
To maximize your earning potential as a TMA, consider the following certifications:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) – AAMA
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) – AMT
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – NHA
Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR Certifications
Most roles require a certificate or associate degree from an accredited medical assistant program. Additional credentials can significantly increase your hourly rate and open doors to specialty assignments.
🔚 Final Thoughts
In 2025, traveling medical assistants are earning competitive wages with excellent job prospects. With the right experience and credentials, this flexible career path can lead to earnings well above the national average, along with invaluable professional and personal rewards.
Whether you’re just starting out or considering a shift from a traditional MA role, traveling medical assisting offers both adventure and stability in one of healthcare’s most dynamic fields.