Medical Assistant Career Guide: Kennewick, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Kennewick Stands

As a local who’s watched the Tri-Cities job market evolve over the past decade, I can tell you that Medical Assistant (MA) salaries in Kennewick are a study in local economics. While the Pacific Northwest is famously expensive, the Kennewick area operates on its own unique financial axis, anchored by agriculture, energy, and healthcare.

First, the hard numbers. The median salary for Medical Assistants in Kennewick is $38,155/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $18.34/hour. It's important to understand this is the median, meaning half of all MAs in the metro area earn more, and half earn less. For context, this is just slightly below the national average of $38,270/year. The difference is negligible, which is promising when you factor in Kennewick's cost of living.

The job market itself is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 170 Medical Assistant jobs in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 15%, which outpaces the national average for the profession. This growth is driven by an aging population and the expansion of regional healthcare networks, not by a tech boom. It's steady, reliable work.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries, of course, climb with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local hiring data and BLS regional adjustments:

Experience Level	Typical Years in WA	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Kennewick
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$33,000 - $36,000	Often starts in family medicine or small clinics. Certification (CMA/RMA) is a must for the higher end of this range.
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$38,155 - $41,000	This is the median range. Seeking roles in specialty clinics (cardiology, orthopedics) or hospital-based practices can break you into the higher bracket.
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$42,000 - $47,000	Lead MA roles, clinical supervisor positions, or specializing in high-demand areas like dermatology or ophthalmology.
Expert/Managerial	10+ years	$48,000 - $55,000+	Practice management, clinical education coordination, or MA program instruction. These roles are fewer but offer significant pay bumps.

Comparison to Other Washington Cities

Kennewick's salary is modest compared to the state's major metros, but the cost-of-living adjustment is a game-changer.

City	Median MA Salary (Est.)	Average 1BR Rent	Cost of Living Index	Real Wage Power
Kennewick	$38,155	$1,206	99.0	High
Seattle	$52,000	$2,100+	152.3	Low
Spokane	$40,500	$1,150	103.2	Moderate
Olympia	$44,000	$1,500	118.5	Low-Moderate

In Seattle, you'd earn nearly $14,000 more, but your rent would be almost double, and your overall cost of living would be 50% higher. Kennewick offers a balance where your paycheck goes further, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle on a MA's salary.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you're earning the median salary of $38,155, what does your monthly budget actually look like?

Monthly Income Breakdown (Pre-Tax):

• Annual Salary: $38,155
• Monthly Gross: $3,180

Estimated Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):

• Federal Tax (Est.): ~$275
• Social Security & Medicare: ~$243
• WA State Tax (No Income Tax): $0
• Estimated Monthly Net: ~$2,662

Sample Monthly Budget for a Single MA:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $1,206
• Utilities (Avg.): $150
• Car Payment/Insurance: $400
• Groceries: $300
• Health Insurance (Employer Share): $100
• Debt/Student Loans: $150
• Savings/Discretionary: $356

After essentials, you're left with about $356 for savings, hobbies, or unexpected costs. It's a tight but manageable budget. The absence of a state income tax in Washington is a significant advantage, effectively giving you a 5-10% higher take-home pay than in neighboring states like Oregon.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the big question. The median home price in the Kennewick area is approximately $375,000. With a standard 20% down payment ($75,000), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,800-$2,000. This is significantly higher than the average rent. For a single MA earning the median, homeownership on a single income is a stretch without substantial savings or a dual-income household. However, it's far more attainable here than in Seattle, where the same home would cost over $700,000.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you're earning the median salary of $38,155, what does your monthly budget actually look like?

Monthly Income Breakdown (Pre-Tax):

• Annual Salary: $38,155
• Monthly Gross: $3,180

Estimated Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):

• Federal Tax (Est.): ~$275
• Social Security & Medicare: ~$243
• WA State Tax (No Income Tax): $0
• Estimated Monthly Net: ~$2,662

Sample Monthly Budget for a Single MA:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $1,206
• Utilities (Avg.): $150
• Car Payment/Insurance: $400
• Groceries: $300
• Health Insurance (Employer Share): $100
• Debt/Student Loans: $150
• Savings/Discretionary: $356

After essentials, you're left with about $356 for savings, hobbies, or unexpected costs. It's a tight but manageable budget. The absence of a state income tax in Washington is a significant advantage, effectively giving you a 5-10% higher take-home pay than in neighboring states like Oregon.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the big question. The median home price in the Kennewick area is approximately $375,000. With a standard 20% down payment ($75,000), the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,800-$2,000. This is significantly higher than the average rent. For a single MA earning the median, homeownership on a single income is a stretch without substantial savings or a dual-income household. However, it's far more attainable here than in Seattle, where the same home would cost over $700,000.

Where the Jobs Are: Kennewick's Major Employers

The healthcare landscape in Kennewick is dominated by a few major players and a network of clinics. Here’s where you should be sending your applications.

1. Kadlec Regional Medical Center: The largest employer in the Tri-Cities. As part of the Providence system, Kadlec offers the most diverse range of MA jobs—in-patient, out-patient, specialty clinics (like cancer care and neurology), and urgent care. Hiring is continuous, and they offer strong benefits. Insider Tip: Kadlec’s new hospital in nearby Richland is expanding, but the Kennewick clinics are still a major hub. Look for postings for their "Kadlec Clinics" in Kennewick.

2. Trios Health: Based in Kennewick, Trios operates a 246-bed hospital and numerous primary and specialty care clinics. They are a major competitor to Kadlec and often have openings in their family medicine, internal medicine, and women's health departments. Their growth strategy focuses on community clinics, which are MA-heavy.

3. Lourdes Health: Part of the Franciscan Health system, Lourdes has a significant presence in Kennewick with a hospital and outpatient surgery center. Their Kennewick clinics often specialize in orthopedics and cardiology, which can be a path to higher-paying specialty MA roles.

4. Kaiser Permanente: While smaller than in other markets, Kaiser has a foothold in the Tri-Cities with a medical office in Richland that serves Kennewick residents. They are known for competitive pay and benefits, typically above the median ($40,000+ for MAs). Hiring is less frequent but worth monitoring.

5. Community Health Centers: Organizations like Tri-Cities Community Health and Columbia Basin Health Association (in nearby Hermiston) serve low-income and migrant populations. These roles are stable, mission-driven, and often qualify for federal loan repayment programs. They are a great entry point for new MAs.

6. Private Specialty Practices: Kennewick has a vibrant ecosystem of private practices in dermatology (e.g., Dermatology Associates of the Tri-Cities), ophthalmology (e.g., Eye Care Northwest), and orthopedics (e.g., Orthopaedic Associates of the Tri-Cities). These practices often pay at the higher end of the mid-career range and offer a more focused work environment.

Hiring Trends: There is a constant demand for MAs who are proficient with electronic health records (EHRs), particularly Epic and Cerner, which are used by the major hospital systems. Bilingual Spanish/English skills are a significant advantage, given the region's agricultural workforce and large Latino population.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington has a specific scope of practice for Medical Assistants, and it's important to follow the state's guidelines.

1. Education and Certification:

• Requirement: While Washington does not have a state-specific MA license, employers universally require graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant program and/or national certification.
• Accredited Programs: Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Locally, Columbia Basin College (CBC) in Pasco offers an excellent, affordable program. Walla Walla Community College also has a program serving the Tri-Cities area.
• Cost: Programs range from $3,500 to $7,000. CBC's in-state tuition is a bargain compared to private schools.

2. National Certification (Highly Recommended):

• Key Certifications: Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA, Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from AMT, or National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from NHA.
• Exam Cost: $120 - $180 for the exam itself, plus study materials.
• Timeline: A full-time program is typically 9-12 months. Part-time options can take 18-24 months. After graduation, you can sit for the certification exam. The entire process, from starting school to being hired as a certified MA, can take 12-18 months.

3. Scope of Practice in WA:

• Washington law allows MAs to perform specific delegated medical acts under the supervision of a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner. This includes administering medications (including injections), performing EKGs, and conducting venipuncture. Your formal training program will cover this in detail.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Kennewick's neighborhoods are distinct, and your choice will impact your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs.

• Central Kennewick (Downtown/Southridge): This is the heart of the city, with older, affordable homes and a mix of apartments. You'll be close to major employers like Kadlec and Trios clinics. Commute times to most jobs are under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is around $1,000 - $1,150. It's walkable and has a growing sense of community.
• Southridge: A newer, master-planned community on the south side. It's popular with young professionals and families. You'll find modern apartment complexes and single-family homes. Commute to the southern clinics is excellent, but it's a 15-20 minute drive to the main hospital campus. Rent is higher here: $1,250 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
• West Kennewick (near the River): This area offers a quieter, more suburban feel with easy access to the Yakima River for recreation. Housing is a mix of older, spacious homes and some newer developments. It's a good balance if you want space but still want to be close to everything. Rent is similar to Central Kennewick: $1,100 - $1,250.
• East Kennewick (near Highway 240): This area is more budget-friendly and has a mix of older apartments and homes. Commute times are still reasonable, but it can feel a bit more isolated. This is a great option if you're looking to maximize your housing budget. Rent can be found for $950 - $1,100.
• Prosser (20 mins west): For those willing to commute, Prosser offers a small-town feel with significantly lower rent ($800 - $950 for a 1BR). It's home to a major wine research center and has its own small hospital and clinics. The commute on Highway 221 is straightforward but adds 20-30 minutes each way.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Medical Assistant role in Kennewick can be a solid career, not just a job, if you plan strategically.

Specialty Premiums: Moving from general family medicine to a specialty clinic can boost your salary by $2,000 - $5,000 annually. The most valued specialties in the Tri-Cities are:

• Cardiology: High patient volume and complex care.
• Orthopedics: Involves casting, splinting, and assisting with injections.
• Dermatology: Procedural focus, high patient satisfaction.
• Oncology: Requires advanced knowledge of chemotherapy protocols and patient support.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Leadership: Become a Lead MA, overseeing other MAs and workflow. This typically adds $3,000 - $6,000 to your salary.
2. Specialized Certifications: Pursue certifications in phlebotomy, EKG technology, or medical coding/billing to increase your value.
3. Transition to a Different Role: Many MAs use their experience as a stepping stone to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), Medical Sonographer, or Physician Assistant (PA). Local programs at CBC and WWCC are popular pathways.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 15% Growth):
The 15% growth over the next decade is promising. It means more jobs, but also more competition from new MAs. The key to thriving will be specialization and continuous learning. MAs who adapt to new technologies (telehealth, advanced EHR features) and who take on more complex clinical tasks will see the most significant wage growth. The demand will remain strong in primary care, but the most lucrative opportunities will be in specialty clinics and hospital-based roles.

The Verdict: Is Kennewick Right for You?

Kennewick offers a pragmatic career path for Medical Assistants. It's not a city of glamour or high-flying salaries, but it provides stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a clear path to a comfortable life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in most WA cities.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: It's a family-oriented city; don't expect Seattle's arts scene.
Stable Job Market: 15% growth and major employers provide job security.	Isolation: 3+ hours from Seattle, Spokane, or Portland. Travel requires planning.
No State Income Tax: A significant financial advantage.	Summer Heat: Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F in July and August.
Easy Commutes: Traffic is minimal compared to major metros.	Wage Ceiling: Top MA salaries are lower than in larger cities.
Outdoor Access: Hiking, fishing, and wine country are minutes away.	Air Quality: Wildfire smoke can be an issue in late summer.

Final Recommendation:
Kennewick is an excellent choice for Medical Assistants who are early to mid-career, value work-life balance, and want to build a stable financial foundation. It's ideal for those who don't need a big-city lifestyle and are willing to specialize to increase their earning potential. If you're a new MA looking to get your start, the low cost of living allows you to gain