Medical Assistant in Beaverton, OR

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Medical Assistants considering a move to Beaverton, OR.

The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

As a career analyst who's watched the Portland metro job market for years, let's get straight to the numbers. In Beaverton, the median salary for a Medical Assistant is $39,027/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $18.76/hour. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $38,270/year, a small but meaningful buffer that reflects the region's higher cost of living and strong demand for healthcare support staff.

The job market here is stable and growing. There are approximately 193 Medical Assistant positions active in the metro area at any given time, with a robust 10-year job growth projection of 15%. This isn't a boomtown market, but it's a reliable one, offering consistent opportunities for those with the right training and attitude.

Your earning potential in Beaverton will curve upward with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Beaverton
Entry-Level	$34,000 - $37,000	New graduates, limited certifications. Often start in larger clinics or hospital systems.
Mid-Career	$39,000 - $44,000	The median range. 2-5 years of experience, possibly with an additional certification (e.g., phlebotomy).
Senior	$45,000 - $52,000	5+ years, specializing in a high-demand area (like orthopedics or cardiology). May take on lead MA roles.
Expert/Lead	$53,000+	10+ years, often in a supervisory or educational role. Common in large hospital systems or specialty practices.

When you compare Beaverton to other Oregon cities, the context becomes clearer. Portland's urban core offers higher nominal salaries, but often comes with a longer commute and even steeper rent. In contrast, cities like Salem or Eugene have a lower cost of living, but their median MA salaries also trend lower (often $36,000 - $38,000). Beaverton sits in a sweet spot: it has access to the higher-paying Portland metro jobs without the full intensity of downtown living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math. A Medical Assistant earning the median salary of $39,027/year has a monthly gross income of approximately $3,252. After federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Oregon state tax (which has a progressive structure), your estimated take-home pay is roughly $2,650 - $2,750 per month, depending on your specific withholdings and filing status.

The biggest line item in your budget will be rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Beaverton is $1,545/month. This means housing alone will consume about 57% of your net income, which is on the high end of the recommended 30% guideline. This is the reality of the Beaverton market; it's not a place where a single-income Medical Assistant can live lavishly.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,545	The single biggest expense.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, internet. Water/sewer often included in rent.
Groceries	$350	Beaverton has affordable options like WinCo and Grocery Outlet.
Transportation	$200	Gas/insurance if you drive. Trimet monthly pass is $100 if you commute via public transit.
Health Insurance	$150	Varies widely; this is a typical employer-subsidized contribution.
Miscellaneous	$300	Cell phone, personal care, entertainment, savings.
Total	$2,695	Leaves little room for error or significant savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single MA salary, buying a home in Beaverton is a significant challenge. The median home price in Beaverton is well over $500,000. Even with a 10% down payment ($50,000), the monthly mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $3,000/month, far beyond what is affordable on this income. Homeownership typically requires a dual-income household, a substantial down payment from savings, or a move to a more affordable neighboring suburb like Tigard or Aloha.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

Beaverton's healthcare employment is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems and private practices. The "big player" is undoubtedly Providence Health & Services, which operates Providence Beaverton Clinic (a large, multi-specialty facility on SW Walker Road) and has a major presence at nearby Providence St. Vincent Medical Center (technically in Portland, but a primary employer for Beaverton residents). Providence is a consistent hirer and offers good benefits, making it a top target.

Another key employer is Tuality Healthcare, now part of Adventist Health. While their main hospital is in Hillsboro, their network includes numerous clinics throughout Beaverton, offering many MA positions.

For those interested in pediatrics, The Children's Clinic of Portland has a Beaverton location and is a well-regarded employer. For orthopedics, The Center for Orthopedic & Sports Medicine has a significant presence in the area. Kaiser Permanente also has a large clinic nearby in Hillsboro, which is a short commute and often posts jobs for Beaverton residents.

Insider Tip: Don't overlook smaller, independent practices. Beaverton has a thriving community of specialty and family medicine clinics. While they may not have the same brand recognition as the big systems, they often offer a closer-knit team environment and can be more flexible. Check job boards for names like Beaverton Family Medicine or specific specialty practices (e.g., dermatology, cardiology).

Hiring trends show a steady demand for MAs with EHR proficiency (specifically Epic and Cerner, which are widely used by Providence and Kaiser). Bilingual candidates (especially Spanish or Mandarin) have a distinct advantage in this diverse community.

Getting Licensed in Oregon

Oregon has clear requirements to work as a Medical Assistant. The state does not have a single, mandatory "license," but it does have specific regulations and pathways.

1. Education: You must graduate from a Medical Assistant program accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES. This is non-negotiable. Many local programs exist, including those at Portland Community College (PCC) and private career schools. The cost typically ranges from $4,000 to $12,000 for a 9-12 month program.
2. Certification: While not legally mandated by the state, virtually every employer in Beaverton requires national certification. The two primary options are:
   • CMA (AAMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants.
   • RMA (AMT) from the American Medical Technologists.
     To get certified, you must graduate from an accredited program and pass a national exam. Exam fees are around $120 - $150.
3. Specialty Certifications: To boost your salary to the mid-career and senior levels, consider additional certifications. Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and EKG Technician (CET) are highly valuable and can be obtained through additional short courses (often 1-2 months, costing $1,000 - $2,500). These are offered at many of the same schools that provide MA training.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-9: Complete an accredited MA program.
• Month 9-10: Apply for and pass your national certification exam (CMA or RMA).
• Month 10-12: Begin applying for jobs. You can start applying as soon as you have your graduation date confirmed, but employers will expect you to be certified (or have a test date scheduled) before your start date.

Key Resource: The Oregon Board of Medical Examiners website is the official source for scope-of-practice rules. Always reference it for the most current regulations.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Your choice of neighborhood in Beaverton will significantly impact your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four solid options for a Medical Assistant's salary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Central Beaverton	Urban-suburban mix. Walkable to downtown shops, MAX light rail, and restaurants. 10-15 min commute to Providence Beaverton Clinic.	$1,550 - $1,700	Those who want a walkable lifestyle and easy access to public transit.
Southwest Beaverton	Quieter, residential. Closer to the Tigard/Tualatin border. Easy access to highways 217 and 26. 15-20 min drive to most clinics.	$1,400 - $1,550	People who prefer a quieter, family-friendly area and don't mind driving.
Aloha	More affordable, but a longer commute. Located west of Beaverton proper. 20-30 min drive to major clinics, depending on traffic.	$1,250 - $1,400	Budget-conscious individuals willing to trade a longer commute for lower rent.
Raleigh Hills	A small, unincorporated community on Beaverton's eastern edge. Borders Portland. Very close to St. Vincent Hospital. 10-15 min commute.	$1,600+	Those targeting jobs at St. Vincent or who want easy access to Portland's amenities.

Insider Tip: Traffic on Highway 217 and the Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway can be heavy during rush hour. If you're considering a job in Hillsboro (e.g., Kaiser) but living in Central Beaverton, plan for a 20-30 minute commute. The MAX light rail is a reliable alternative for jobs along its Blue and Red lines, which serve much of the Beaverton area.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Starting as a Medical Assistant in Beaverton is a solid career move, but the long-term growth requires intentionality. The 10-year job growth of 15% ensures demand, but to move beyond the median salary, you need to specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Orthopedics & Sports Medicine: MAs with experience in casting, splinting, and assisting with minor procedures can command a 5-10% premium. The Center for Orthopedic & Sports Medicine is a prime target.
• Cardiology: Proficiency with EKGs, stress tests, and patient education for chronic conditions is highly valued. This can add $2-$3/hour to your base rate.
• Dermatology: In a region with high demand for cosmetic and medical dermatology, MAs skilled in assisting with procedures and managing patient flow are in high demand.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead MA / Clinical Supervisor: After 5+ years, you can move into a leadership role, overseeing other MAs and clinic flow. This often comes with a $5,000 - $10,000 salary bump.
2. Program Coordinator / Educator: With extensive experience and excellent communication skills, you could transition into training new MAs or managing specific clinical programs.
3. Bridge to Nursing (RN) or Healthcare Administration: Many MAs use their experience as a springboard. Portland-area community colleges (like PCC) have excellent ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs. Your clinical hours as an MA are a huge advantage for nursing school applications.

The 10-year outlook is positive. As the population ages, the need for preventative and chronic care management will only grow, keeping MAs in demand. The key is to stay curious, seek out additional certifications, and build a strong professional network within the local healthcare community.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Deciding to move to Beaverton as a Medical Assistant is a calculation of trade-offs. It offers a stable job market and access to excellent healthcare employers, but the cost of living, particularly housing, is a serious consideration.

Here’s a final breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 15% projected growth and ~200 active jobs.	High Housing Cost: Rent at $1,545/month consumes ~57% of take-home pay.
Access to Major Employers: Providence, Kaiser, Tuality, and numerous specialty clinics.	No State Sales Tax, but High Income Tax: Oregon's tax structure impacts take-home pay.
Higher Median Salary: $39,027 vs. the national $38,270.	Competitive Market: Requires certification and often bilingual skills for top jobs.
Excellent Public Transit (MAX): Reduces need for a car in certain areas.	Traffic Congestion: Commutes can be longer than they appear on a map.
Vibrant, Diverse Community: Great food, parks, and access to outdoor recreation.	Buying a Home is a Major Hurdle: Likely requires a dual income or a move to a suburb.

Final Recommendation:
Beaverton is a strong choice for a Medical Assistant who is either single and budget-conscious, or part of a dual-income household. It's ideal for someone who values career stability, opportunities for specialization, and the amenities of a diverse suburban city. If you are willing to live with roommates, choose a neighborhood like Aloha, or commute from a more affordable suburb, you can make the math work.

If your primary goal is to buy a home on a single MA salary within 5 years, Beaverton will be a significant challenge. In that case, you might consider starting your career here to gain experience, then relocating to a lower-cost-of-living area in Oregon later. For most, however, Beaverton represents a practical, rewarding launchpad for a long-term career in Oregon's healthcare sector.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to get a job in Beaverton?
Yes, for all practical purposes. While Oregon's state regulations don't mandate it, every competitive job posting from major employers like Providence will list certification (CMA or RMA) as a requirement. It's the standard.

2. Is it possible to live in Portland and commute to Beaverton for a job?
Yes, and many people do it. The MAX light rail's Blue Line directly connects downtown Portland to central Beaverton. Driving is also an option, but be prepared for traffic on Highway 26. A Portland salary may be slightly higher, but you'll also face Portland's higher rent.

3. How important is being bilingual?
Extremely important. Beaverton has a significant Spanish-speaking population. Being fluent in Spanish will open up more job opportunities and can often come with a pay differential. It's a major asset for any healthcare role in the region.

4. What's the best way to find a job before I move?
Use major job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn, but also check the career pages of the specific employers mentioned above (Providence, Kaiser, Tuality). Set up job alerts for "Medical Assistant" in "Beaverton, OR." Leverage your school's career services if you're a recent graduate. Networking on LinkedIn with current MAs in the area can also provide valuable insights.

5. Can I afford to live without a car?
It depends on where you live and work. If you choose an apartment near a MAX line in Central Beaverton and work at a clinic along that line (like Providence Beaverton Clinic), a car is not essential. If you live in Aloha or Southwest Beaverton and work in a less transit-accessible location, a car will be a necessity. Factor in the cost of car payments, insurance, and gas ($200/month or more) if you need one.