The Complete Career Guide for Medical Assistants in Everett, WA

As a career analyst who has spent years studying the Puget Sound job market, I can tell you that Medical Assistants (MAs) in Everett operate in a unique ecosystem. It’s not Seattle, with its dizzying cost of living and hyper-competitive hospital systems, but it’s far from a sleepy town. Everett is the industrial and medical hub of Snohomish County, a city of 111,147 people anchored by a massive naval base and a network of community and regional hospitals. For an MA, this means a steady stream of jobs—222 currently in the metro area—but a cost of living that demands careful financial planning.

This guide breaks down the reality of working as an MA in Everett, using hard data and on-the-ground insights. We’ll move beyond job postings to the real numbers, the neighborhoods, and the long-term career trajectory.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let’s be direct: Washington is a high-cost state, and while healthcare wages are generally strong, the entry-level pay for Medical Assistants can feel tight against the local cost of living. The median salary for an MA in Everett is $39,762/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.12/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $38,270/year, but not by a significant margin.

The job market is stable, with a 10-year job growth projection of 15%, which aligns with national trends. However, the local market is competitive. Employers are looking for MAs who are already certified and have experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems like Epic or Cerner, which are widely used in the region.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Everett follow a typical progression, though the jumps can be incremental without additional certifications or specialization.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Everett)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$34,000 - $38,000	Basic vitals, rooming patients, administrative tasks, phlebotomy training.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$39,762 - $45,000	Certified, proficient in EHR, may handle more complex procedures (EKGs, injections).
Senior/Lead MA	5-10 years	$46,000 - $52,000	Training new MAs, scheduling, inventory, may work in a specialty clinic.
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$53,000+	Specialized in areas like orthopedics, cardiology, or dermatology; may move into management.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Everett’s MA salary is a midpoint within the Puget Sound region. It’s higher than smaller western WA cities but lags behind Seattle and Bellevue, where the cost of living is significantly steeper.

City	Median MA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Takeaway for MAs
Everett	$39,762	113.0	Balanced. Good job density with a manageable, though high, cost of living.
Seattle	~$44,200	152.3	High pay, higher cost. Commuting from Everett is a common strategy to save on rent.
Spokane	~$36,500	94.0	Lower pay, much lower cost. A better financial fit for early-career MAs.
Tacoma	~$38,900	106.5	Similar to Everett. Comparable job market and cost profile.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Everett employers, especially the Providence and PeaceHealth systems, offer strong benefits packages. A $39,762 salary with a 100% employer-paid health insurance premium and a 401(k) match can be more valuable than a $42,000 salary with minimal benefits.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The math for an MA earning the Everett median is sobering. With a $39,762 annual salary, your monthly gross pay is about $3,313. After estimated federal and state taxes (WA has no state income tax, but federal taxes apply), your take-home pay is likely around $2,650-$2,750 per month.

The critical factor is housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Everett is $1,864/month. This represents a staggering 67-70% of your take-home pay, assuming the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an MA Earning $39,762

This is a realistic, tight budget for a single person.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$3,313	Based on $39,762/year.
Taxes (Est.)	-$563	Federal taxes only (WA no income tax).
Net Pay (Take-Home)	$2,750	Approximate.
Rent (1BR Avg.)	-$1,864	The largest expense.
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, water, garbage.
Groceries	-$300	Budget-conscious shopping.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$300	Everett is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Gas	-$100	For commuting.
Health Insurance	-$100	If not fully covered by employer.
Personal/Discretionary	-$200	Phone, entertainment, savings, debt.
Remaining	-$264	Deficit.

Can they afford to buy a home? At the $39,762 salary, buying a home in Everett is extremely challenging. The median home price in Everett is over $550,000. A 20% down payment is $110,000, and a monthly mortgage payment would exceed $2,800. This is far beyond the budget of an MA at the median salary. The path to homeownership typically requires dual incomes, significant career advancement into a specialized or management role, or moving to a more affordable region.

Insider Tip: To make the numbers work, many MAs in Everett live with roommates or in older, more affordable apartment complexes in neighborhoods like south Everett or Mill Creek. Some also work per diem shifts or pick up extra hours at clinics to boost their monthly income.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

The Everett job market is dominated by a few large healthcare systems and community clinics. Your job search should be focused on these key players.

1. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (Colby Campus & Pacific Campus): The largest employer in the region. They offer a wide range of MA positions in primary care, urgent care, and dozens of specialties (orthopedics, oncology, cardiology). Hiring is constant, but the process can be slow. Having your CCMA or RMA certification is almost mandatory here.

2. PeaceHealth Northwest Network: PeaceHealth operates a number of clinics in Everett and surrounding areas like Mill Creek. They are known for a strong mission-driven culture and are actively expanding their primary care footprint. They often hire MAs for both clinic and hospital-based roles.

3. The Everett Clinic (Part of Optum): A large, independent multi-specialty group that was acquired by Optum (UnitedHealth Group). They have dozens of clinics in the area and are a major employer of MAs. The culture is fast-paced and heavily reliant on their own EHR system. Hiring trends show a focus on efficiency and patient throughput.

4. Community Health Centers of Snohomish County (CHC): Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serving low-income and underserved populations. These are fantastic places to gain experience, especially in diverse patient populations and integrated care models. Pay may be slightly lower than private systems, but benefits and mission are strong.

5. Dermatology & Orthopedic Specialty Clinics: Everett has a cluster of private specialty practices (e.g., The Everett Clinic’s specialty departments, Puget Sound Orthopaedics, Polyclinic). These often pay a premium for MAs with experience in their specific field. They are a key destination for career advancement.

6. Naval Hospital Everett: While primarily serving military personnel and their families, this facility occasionally hires civilian MAs. It’s a unique employer with excellent benefits and job security, but hiring is highly competitive and often requires a security clearance.

Hiring Trends: There is a high demand for MAs who are bilingual in Spanish, given the growing Hispanic population in Everett. Proficiency with Epic EHR is a significant advantage, as it’s the system used by Providence, PeaceHealth, and many private clinics.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State does not have a mandatory state license for Medical Assistants. Instead, it relies on national certification. However, the state does require MAs who perform specific delegated medical acts (like injections or phlebotomy) to have completed an approved training program and hold a recognized certification.

The Process:

1. Complete an Approved Program: Attend a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited Medical Assisting program. Many local community colleges offer these (e.g., Everett Community College).
2. Earn National Certification: Pass the exam for one of the following:
   • CMA (AAMA): Certified Medical Assistant (American Association of Medical Assistants). The gold standard, but requires graduation from an accredited program.
   • RMA (AMT): Registered Medical Assistant (American Medical Technologists).
   • CCMA (NHA): Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (National Healthcareer Association).
3. Cost & Timeline: Certification exams cost between $120-$200. A full MA program typically takes 9-12 months of full-time study. You can expect to spend $3,000 - $8,000 on tuition and fees, depending on the institution.
4. Continuing Education: Most certifications require continuing education units (CEUs) for renewal, typically every 5 years.

Insider Tip: If you are moving from another state, check with the licensing board. Washington will accept certifications from other states, but ensure your certification is current. For roles at major employers like Providence, having a CMA (AAMA) is often preferred.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Choosing where to live in Everett is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are four options.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown Everett	Walkable, urban. Close to Providence Pacific Campus. Can be noisy.	$1,600 - $2,000	MAs who want city life and a short commute (walk/bike) to work.
South Everett (near Silver Lake)	Residential, family-friendly. Easy access to I-5.	$1,500 - $1,800	Budget-conscious MAs who prioritize space and don't mind a 10-minute drive.
Mill Creek	Upscale suburban. Planned community with trails and shopping.	$1,900 - $2,300	MAs with a higher budget seeking a quiet, safe, and highly desirable area.
North Everett (Rucker Hill)	Historic, charming, with great views. Older homes, some rentals.	$1,400 - $1,700	MAs looking for character and a lower rent, willing to manage older building quirks.

Commute Reality: Public transit (Community Transit) is decent but not as comprehensive as Seattle’s. A car is almost essential. Traffic on I-5 can be heavy during rush hour, so living near your workplace or along a direct bus route is a major quality-of-life benefit.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The $39,762 median is a starting point, not a ceiling. Career growth in Everett is driven by specialization and taking on leadership roles.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties often earn 10-20% more than the median. For example, an MA in orthopedics (with experience in casting and splinting) or cardiology (with EKG expertise) can command a higher wage. A Certified Ophthalmic Medical Assistant (COMT) or Dermatology Certified Medical Assistant will have a distinct advantage.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical: Move from a general clinic to a specialty practice.
  • Administrative: Transition into roles like Lead MA, Clinic Supervisor, or Practice Manager (may require further education).
  • Education: Become a clinical instructor for an MA program at a community college.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the aging population in Snohomish County, the demand for healthcare services will remain robust. The 15% job growth is confident. However, automation and changes in healthcare delivery may alter some MA tasks. The most resilient MAs will be those who adapt to new technologies and pursue ongoing education.

Insider Tip: The most successful MAs I’ve seen in Everett are those who get their CMA (AAMA) and then immediately seek a role in a specialty clinic. The pay jump is real, and the skills are more niche, making you less replaceable.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 222 jobs and 15% growth provide security.	High Rent Burden: $1,864/month rent eats up most of the median salary.
Diverse Employers: From large hospitals to community clinics.	Car-Dependent City: Adds significant cost (insurance, gas, maintenance).
Career Advancement: Clear paths to specialize and earn more.	Competitive for Best Jobs: Top specialties and major hospitals are selective.
Gateway to the Region: Easy access to Seattle/Bellevue for higher pay.	No State Income Tax Benefit: Offset by high sales tax and property taxes.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is a viable and strategic choice for a Medical Assistant, but it is not a city for early-career MAs earning the median salary to thrive alone. It is best suited for:

1. MAs with 2-3 years of experience who can command a wage above the median.
2. MAs willing to have a roommate to make the housing costs manageable.
3. MAs who are highly motivated to specialize and rapidly increase their earning potential.
4. Those already in a dual-income household.

If you are a new graduate, consider starting in Everett to gain experience but be prepared for a tight budget. If you are an experienced MA, Everett offers a strong, stable market with a lower cost of living than Seattle, making it an excellent place to build a long-term career.

FAQs

Q: Is it difficult to find a job as an MA in Everett without experience?
A: Yes, it can be challenging. Most major employers prefer at least 1 year of experience. Your best bet is to apply to Federally Qualified Health Centers (like CHC) or private practices that are more willing to train. Having a stellar externship and a CMA certification is crucial.

Q: What’s the typical interview process like for an MA in Everett?
A: After a phone screen, expect 1-2 in-person interviews. A clinical skills test is common—you may be asked to demonstrate taking vitals, giving an injection (on an orange), or performing a point-of-care test. Research the clinic’s specialty beforehand.

Q: Can I commute from Seattle to Everett for an MA job?
A: You can, but it’s a tough commute. The drive on I-5 can take 45-90 minutes each way, and community transit options exist but are time-consuming. Many MAs do the reverse—live in Everett and commute to Seattle for higher pay, but the cost savings on rent are often eaten up by commuting costs and time.

Q: How important is bilingualism in Everett?
A: Extremely important. Snohomish County’s Hispanic population is growing rapidly. Clinics that serve this community will strongly prefer or require Spanish-speaking MAs. If you have this skill, highlight it prominently on your resume.

Q: What EHR systems should I learn?
A: Epic is the dominant system in large systems (Providence, PeaceHealth). Cerner is also used in some settings. For smaller clinics, you might encounter eClinicalWorks or NextGen. If you’re new, focus on understanding EHR workflows in general—any system can be learned on the job if you’re tech-savvy.

Sources: Salary and job growth data are based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Everett, WA Metro Area. Cost of living and rent data are from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, and BestPlaces.net figures for Snohomish County. Employer information is aggregated from local job postings and healthcare system websites.