traveling medical assistant salary
Oct 04, 2025
Traveling medical assistants generally command annual salaries ranging from approximately $43,000 to $65,000, often exceeding the pay offered in traditional, fixed-location positions. This higher earning potential reflects factors such as workforce demand, geographic location, assignment bonuses, and the flexibility inherent in travel-based contracts.
Compensation also varies according to credentials, professional experience, and the nature of each placement. This article explores these factors in detail and offers a clearer understanding of what traveling medical assistants can expect to earn.
Table of content
- What is the average salary for traveling medical assistants?
- What factors influence salary?
- Additional perks and benefits
- How to increase salary as a traveling MA
- Traveling medical assistant salary FAQs
- Ready to advance your medical assistant career?
What is the average salary for traveling medical assistants?
Salaries typically vary based on experience, certifications, geographic location, and contract terms. This section outlines the current averages and the key factors that influence pay in this growing segment of the healthcare workforce.
National averages and hourly rates
The national average salary for traveling medical assistants is approximately $53,200 per year, with most earning between $43,000 and $65,000 depending on experience, employer, and location, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
On average, traveling medical assistants earn about $19.89 per hour, with higher rates in high-demand regions where contracts may also include housing or travel allowances.
Comparison with regular medical assistant roles
Traveling medical assistants generally earn more than permanent staff. The median salary for a regular MA is about $39,000–$44,000 annually (BLS), while travel roles offer higher pay to compensate for mobility and temporary assignments.
Daily responsibilities remain similar; most traveling MAs still perform the typical tasks of a medical assistant, but agencies often provide additional pay in exchange for flexibility and relocation.
What factors influence salary?
A traveling medical assistant’s earnings are shaped by multiple variables. Elements such as geographic location, level of experience, certifications, type of healthcare facility, and contract length all play a significant role in determining pay.
Geographic location
Where assignments are located strongly affects salary. States like California or New York tend to pay more due to higher living costs, while rural areas with staff shortages may also raise hourly rates to attract workers.
Years of experience
Experience helps negotiate better contracts. Entry-level traveling MAs usually start near the average, while those with five or more years of clinical practice often secure premium pay.
Certifications and specializations
- Certifications are one of the fastest ways to boost your salary as a traveling medical assistant. Employers often look for credentials like CCMA, CMA, or RMA, since they prove a candidate can manage clinical tasks with minimal supervision.
Many training programs also guide students through exam preparation and help them understand how to get a medical assistant job in both local and travel roles, making the process more straightforward.
- Specializations make professionals more valuable. Skills in phlebotomy, EKG testing, or other advanced procedures go beyond basic duties and show agencies that students are ready for greater responsibility and higher pay.
Additional perks and benefits
Beyond base pay, traveling medical assistants often receive a range of supplemental advantages that enhance both your income and work experience. Housing stipends, travel reimbursements, health insurance, and flexible scheduling are common incentives offered by employers.
Travel reimbursements and housing allowance
Traveling MAs often receive stipends for housing, travel, and meals. These extras reduce living expenses during assignments, making take-home pay even more attractive.
Flexibility and job variety
Professionals can accept contracts in different regions, experience new clinical settings, and build a wide-ranging résumé. Many find this variety as rewarding as the paycheck.
How to increase salary as a traveling MA
Credentials, specialized training, contract negotiation, and strategic location choices all play a crucial role in boosting your pay. This section outlines practical approaches to strengthening your qualifications and securing higher compensation.
Gain certifications like CCMA or RMA
Additional certifications improve chances for higher-paying contracts. Agencies rely on these credentials to place professionals in roles where accuracy and independence matter most.
Understanding how to become a travel medical assistant also shows how certifications directly impact salary potential and job opportunities.
Focus on high-demand specialties
Specialized skills raise value in negotiations. Phlebotomy, EKG, and bilingual communication are in high demand, making candidates more competitive for agencies and clinics alike.
Many of these are part of the typical tasks of a medical assistant, but when highlighted as specialties, they can increase your salary offers.
Apply to agencies that offer strong packages
Not every agency pays equally. Comparing offers helps identify contracts that include housing, travel support, and healthcare benefits. Positioning yourself as a professional for medical assistant career advancement can also improve your chances of landing higher-paying travel assignments, since agencies value professionals with proven growth potential.
Traveling medical assistant salary FAQs
This section answers frequently asked questions about salaries, bonuses, and other compensation factors to help professionals and job seekers make informed decisions about travel-based medical assisting roles.
What is the starting salary for a traveling medical assistant?
Entry-level traveling MAs often start around $18–$20 per hour, depending on location and agency.
Do travel medical assistants receive healthcare or retirement benefits?
Yes. Many agencies include healthcare, retirement plans, and housing allowances as part of the package.
How often do travel medical assistants move between assignments?
Assignments usually last 8–13 weeks. After that, contracts may be extended or new placements started in another city.
Is certification required to earn more?
Certification isn’t always required, but credentials like CCMA or RMA help secure better-paying contracts.
Where can I find high-paying travel MA jobs?
Specialized staffing agencies focus on travel contracts. Many highlight pay ranges and benefits upfront, so comparing options is key.
Ready to advance your medical assistant career?
From enrollment to employment, FHCA guides every student step by step. With hands-on training, expert instructors, and personalized support, students will gain the skills and credentials to qualify for higher-paying opportunities, including travel medical assistant roles.
If you're looking for a faster way to enter the field, accelerated medical assistant programs can help you start working sooner and gain the skills needed for travel positions.
