The Lakewood Medical Assistant Career Guide: A Local's Perspective

Welcome to Lakewood. If you're a Medical Assistant (MA) thinking about moving here or starting your career in this city, you're looking at a solid market with some important local quirks. I've worked in the healthcare scene in Southeast LA County for years, and I can tell you that Lakewood isn't the flashiest place on the map, but for MAs, it's a reliable, steady bet with a lower barrier to entry than places like Beverly Hills or Santa Monica.

Let's get straight to the data. Lakewood has a metro population of 78,132, nestled in the heart of the LA Basin. It's a quintessential suburb of the 1950s, with wide streets, a massive park system, and a community college that feeds a lot of the local healthcare workforce. The vibe is unpretentious, families are the core, and the commute to other parts of LA is manageable if you know the back roads.

This guide will break down what your life as an MA in Lakewood really looks like, from your paycheck to your career path. I'm using data from the BLS, the California Department of Consumer Affairs (which oversees licensing), and my own observations of the local job market. Let's dive in.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Lakewood is $40,049/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $19.25/hour. This is crucial context. It's slightly above the national average of $38,270/year, but it's important to understand that this figure reflects the local cost of living and the types of employers here. Lakewood isn't home to major university research hospitals; it's a community of smaller clinics, urgent cares, and multi-specialty practices. Your salary will vary based on experience, specialty, and the organization's size.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Lakewood area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Lakewood Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$34,000 - $38,500	Front-office tasks, basic vitals, EHR input, appointment scheduling.
Mid-Level	3-6 years	$38,500 - $43,000	Phlebotomy, EKGs, patient education, assisting with minor procedures.
Senior/Lead MA	7-10 years	$43,000 - $48,000+	Training new MAs, managing workflows, complex patient triage, inventory.
Expert/Specialized	10+ years (with certs)	$48,000 - $55,000+	Specialty-specific skills (e.g., dermatology, ophthalmology), clinical supervisor roles.

How does this compare to other California cities? It’s not the top tier, but it's competitive for the region.

• Los Angeles Metro: Lakewood's median is right in line with the broader LA metro area, which can be misleading because LA has a huge range. Lakewood is at the more affordable end of the LA spectrum.
• Orange County (e.g., Anaheim): Lakewood is within a 15-minute drive of OC. Salaries there are often slightly higher (by 3-5%), but the competition is fiercer, and rents are significantly higher.
• Long Beach: As a direct neighbor, Long Beach offers similar pay but has a more urban, higher-cost environment. Lakewood provides a suburban lifestyle at a slightly lower cost.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth projection of 15% is a key asset. This isn't just national data; it's reflected locally. The aging population in Lakewood's fixed-income communities (like Rancho San Pedro) and the expansion of urgent care chains mean clinics are constantly hiring. The 156 jobs in the metro area might seem low, but turnover is low, and openings are filled quickly by local community college graduates.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $40,049 is a starting point. In California, your take-home pay is where the math gets real. For a single filer with no dependents, after federal and state taxes, you're looking at roughly 70-75% of your gross pay. That brings your net monthly income to approximately $2,100 - $2,250.

Now, let's factor in housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Lakewood is $2,252/month. When you combine your net monthly income with this rent, the picture becomes challenging. A single MA earning the median would be spending over 100% of their net income on rent alone, which is not feasible. This is the core reality of living in the Lakewood area as a single person on a MA's salary.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for an MA earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	~$2,100	After taxes (approx. 25% deduction).
Rent (1BR)	$2,252	This is the immediate challenge.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Varies by season.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Shopping at local stores like Food 4 Less or Vallarta.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400 - $600	A car is non-negotiable in Lakewood. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$150 - $300	A major expense if your clinic doesn't cover it.
Savings/Emergency Fund	$100 - $200	The first thing to cut if needed.
Personal/Discretionary	$50 - $150	Eating out, entertainment.
Total Expenses	$3,450 - $4,150
Monthly Deficit	($1,350) - ($2,050)

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single MA salary of $40,049, buying a home in Lakewood is virtually impossible. The median home price in Lakewood is around $700,000. Even with a 20% down payment ($140,000), the mortgage, taxes, and insurance would be over $3,500/month. The only path to homeownership is dual-income (a partner with a similar or higher salary) or a significant career advancement to a specialist or supervisor role. For now, a two-bedroom apartment shared with a roommate is a more realistic and sustainable living arrangement.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood's healthcare job market is defined by community-based and outpatient care. You won't find massive Level-1 trauma centers, but you'll find steady, reliable employers. Here are the key players:

1. St. Mary Medical Center (Long Beach): Located just on the Lakewood/Long Beach border (105th St & Linden Ave), this is the primary hospital for many Lakewood residents. It's a Dignity Health facility. They hire MAs for their outpatient clinics (cardiology, orthopedics, primary care) and sometimes for inpatient floors. Hiring trends are stable; they prefer candidates with BLS certification and some hospital experience.

2. Lakewood Regional Medical Center (Now Kindred Hospital): Important Update: The former Lakewood Regional Medical Center on Del Amo Blvd has been converted to a long-term acute care hospital (Kindred). While it's not a traditional hospital for acute care anymore, it still employs MAs for outpatient rehab and specialty clinics attached to the facility. It's a smaller employer but a local one.

3. Multi-Specialty Clinics (e.g., MemorialCare, Providence): Large medical groups have a strong presence. MemorialCare Medical Group runs several clinics in and around Lakewood (e.g., on Spring St.). Providence Medical Group also has a footprint. These are your most likely employers. They offer stable hours, benefits, and clear career ladders within the organization. Hiring is frequent for both front and back-office MAs.

4. Urgent Care Chains (American Family Care, ProHealth): Urgent cares are booming in Lakewood. They love MAs who can handle a fast-paced environment, triage patients, and perform basic procedures. They often hire with a "learn on the job" attitude if you're certified. Schedules can be irregular (evenings, weekends), but the pay can be at the higher end for MAs.

5. Private Specialty Practices: This is where you can earn more. Look for dermatology clinics on Carson St., ophthalmology practices near the Los Cerritos Center, or orthopedic groups servicing the active senior community. These jobs often require specific experience but pay a premium for it.

6. Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach: While technically in Long Beach, it's a major employer just north of Lakewood. They hire MAs for their outpatient specialty clinics (pediatrics, neonatology). The environment is different from adult care, but the pay and benefits are excellent.

Insider Tip: The best way to find these jobs isn't always LinkedIn. Check the "Careers" pages on the websites of these specific employers. Also, the Lakewood Medical Center (not to be confused with the hospital) is a city-owned complex with various clinics; it's worth looking into directly. Networking through the Long Beach City College (LBCC) Nursing Program alumni network is a huge advantage—many MAs in the area are LBCC grads.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has one of the most rigorous Medical Assistant certification processes in the country. It's not optional; it's a must to practice.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Education: You must complete a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These are typically 9-12 month programs. Long Beach City College (LBCC) has a highly respected, affordable program. Private schools like Concorde Career College (Gardena) also offer them but at a higher cost.
2. Certification (RMA or CMA): You must pass a national exam. The two main ones are the CMA (AAMA) offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants and the RMA (AMT). Most employers in Lakewood accept both, but the CMA (AAMA) is often preferred for hospital-based jobs.
3. Specialty Certifications: To boost your salary, get certified in phlebotomy (CPT) and EKG (CET). These are often included in good MA programs but can be added separately. California requires specific phlebotomy certification (e.g., Certified Phlebotomy Technician I) for anyone drawing blood, which is a separate process with the California Department of Public Health.

Costs and Timeline:

• Program Tuition: LBCC: ~$1,500 (if eligible). Private schools: $15,000 - $25,000.
• Exam Fees: CMA exam is ~$120-$150. RMA is ~$120.
• Timeline: From starting a program to being job-ready: 9-14 months. If you're already a certified MA from another state, you'll need to ensure your certification is current and you may need to complete a California-specific phlebotomy certification if your role involves it.

Insider Tip: The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) website is your bible. Also, the California Association for Medical Assistants (CAMA) has local chapters that can provide mentorship and job leads. Don't skip the phlebotomy certification; it's a major factor in your employability and pay in the Lakewood market.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Lakewood is largely suburban, but the micro-locations matter for commute and lifestyle. Here are the best bets for an MA, focusing on practicality.

1. North Lakewood (near Los Cerritos Center):

   • Vibe: The most central and convenient. Older, well-kept homes and apartments. Walkable to the mall and some clinics.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most major clinics and 15 minutes to St. Mary Medical Center.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,100 - $2,400/month for a 1BR. A bit pricier but saves on gas.

2. West Lakewood / Lakewood Village:

   • Vibe: Near the Lakewood Country Club and the border with Long Beach. Quieter, more residential. A mix of single-family homes and older apartments.
   • Commute: Great access to the 605 and 405 freeways. 10-minute drive to Long Beach hospitals.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,300/month. Slightly better value than North Lakewood.

3. East Lakewood (near the 605 Freeway):

   • Vibe: More affordable, with a larger inventory of apartments. Closer to the industrial and commercial areas of the city.
   • Commute: Easy access to the 605, which is a direct route to many clinics in neighboring cities. Can be noisier due to freeway proximity.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,850 - $2,150/month. This is often where you'll find the most budget-friendly options.

4. Near the Colorado Lagoon (Belmont Shore/Seal Beach Border):

   • Vibe: If you work at a clinic in Long Beach or Seal Beach, living here offers a coastal lifestyle. It's not Lakewood proper, but it's a 10-minute commute to western Lakewood.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to western clinics, 20-30 minutes to eastern Lakewood.
   • Rent Estimate: $2,400 - $2,800/month. Premium for the location and lifestyle.

Insider Tip: If you're looking to save money, consider a 2-bedroom apartment shared with a roommate in East Lakewood. This can bring your individual housing cost down to ~$1,000-$1,200/month, making the MA salary much more manageable and allowing you to actually live.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career in Lakewood isn't static. The path from entry-level to a high-earning specialist is clear, but it requires proactive steps.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dermatology & Ophthalmology: These are the cash cows. Private practices in these fields can pay MAs $22-$28/hour (approx. $45,000-$58,000/year) with experience. The procedures are specific (suture removal, minor surgeries, assisting with lasers) but the hours are stable.
• Cardiology & Orthopedics: Hospital-affiliated clinics (like at St. Mary's) offer higher pay and better benefits. Knowing EKGs inside and out is key here.
• Phlebotomy & EKG Specialization: Getting certified in these areas can add $2-$4/hour to your base pay, even in a general primary care setting.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Many large systems (MemorialCare, Providence) have a clinical ladder. You can progress from MA I to MA II to a Lead MA or Clinical Coordinator, which comes with pay bumps and more responsibility.
2. Management: With 5-7 years of experience, you can move into an Office Manager or Practice Administrator role, especially if you gain experience in billing/coding. This can push your salary well into the $60,000+ range.
3. Further Education: The most common path is using your MA experience as a stepping stone. Lakewood is close to CSU Long Beach and LBCC. Many MAs go on to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Your MA experience is a huge asset in nursing school and can lead to a starting RN salary of $80,000+ in the same area.

10-Year Outlook:
The 15% growth is real. As the population ages, the demand for MAs in primary care and geriatrics will rise. However, automation (AI scheduling, basic diagnostic tools) may handle some front-office tasks. The MAs who thrive will be those who excel in patient interaction, complex clinical skills, and specialty procedures—areas where the human touch is irreplaceable.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Here’s a final, honest breakdown.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in clinics and urgent cares.	Salary vs. Cost of Living: The median salary of $40,049 is tight against a $2,252/month rent.
Lower Entry Barrier: More affordable than most of LA/OC, both in housing and lifestyle.	Car Dependency: You must have a reliable car. Public transit is not viable for most commutes.
Great for Experience: You'll get solid, well-rounded experience in a community setting.	Limited "Prestige": No major research hospitals; career growth requires moving to specialty roles.
Family-Friendly: If you have or plan a family