Medical Assistant in Long Beach, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Long Beach Stands

As a Medical Assistant (MA) in Long Beach, you’re entering a market that pays slightly above the national average but sits comfortably within the competitive landscape of Southern California. Let’s get straight to the numbers, because in a city where the average 1-bedroom rent is $2,006/month, every dollar counts.

The median salary for an MA in Long Beach is $40,049/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.25/hour. For context, the national average for Medical Assistants is $38,270/year. So, you’re earning about $1,779 more annually here than the U.S. average. However, it’s critical to understand that this is a median—meaning half of all MAs in the metro area earn more, and half earn less. Your actual take-home will depend heavily on experience, specialty, and the type of facility you work for.

The job market is active, with an estimated 898 jobs currently available in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 15%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and the expansion of healthcare services, making Long Beach a solid bet for long-term employment stability.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Long Beach
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$33,000 - $37,000	Often start in larger hospital systems (MemorialCare, Dignity Health) or large multi-specialty clinics. Pay is structured and includes benefits.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$38,000 - $45,000	This is where the median $40,049 sits. Specializing (e.g., ophthalmology, dermatology) or working for private practices can push you to the higher end.
Senior/Lead MA (8+ years)	$46,000 - $52,000	Takes on supervisory duties, trains new staff, handles complex scheduling. Often found in busy surgical centers or academic medicine.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$53,000+	Certified specialty MAs (e.g., Certified Ophthalmic Assistant) or those in niche fields like electrophysiology can command higher salaries, especially at specialized clinics.

Comparison to Other California Cities

Long Beach’s median of $40,049 is competitive but not the highest in the state. For instance:

• Los Angeles: Median is slightly higher, around $41,500, but the cost of living is also more extreme.
• San Diego: Similar to Long Beach, with a median near $39,800.
• San Francisco Bay Area: The median jumps to $48,000+, but rent for a 1-bedroom can easily exceed $3,000/month.
• Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino): Lower median salary (~$36,500), but significantly more affordable housing.

Insider Tip: While some major LA hospitals (like Cedars-Sinai or UCLA) may offer higher base pay, the commute from Long Beach via the 710 or I-405 can add 60-90 minutes each way. Factor in gas and time when comparing offers. Long Beach’s own hospital system, MemorialCare, often has competitive pay and a strong benefits package, making it a prime local employer.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s do the math for a single MA earning the median $40,049/year. This is a sobering but necessary reality check.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax & Post-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Income: $40,049 / 12 = $3,337
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~20-25%. Let’s use 22% for a conservative estimate.
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ≈ $2,603

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (Avg. 1BR): $2,006
• Utilities (Average): $150
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (Car Insurance, Gas, Maintenance): $300
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $150
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: $200
• Total Estimated Expenses: $3,156

The Bottom Line: With a take-home of $2,603 and essential expenses of $3,156, there is a monthly deficit of -$553. This assumes no student loan payments, no savings, and no emergency fund.

Can they afford to buy a home?
In short, no—at least not on a single MA salary. The median home price in Long Beach is over $800,000. Even with a 10% down payment ($80,000), a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $4,500/month. This is 170% of the net take-home pay. Homeownership in Long Beach for a single MA is not feasible without a substantial secondary income (a partner, spouse, or roommate).

Insider Tip: To make it work, most MAs in Long Beach live with roommates, live with family, or are in a dual-income household. Consider a studio apartment (which can be found for ~$1,700-$1,800 in some areas) to free up cash flow. Also, living in a neighboring city like Lakewood or Cerritos and commuting to Long Beach can reduce housing costs by 15-20%.

Where the Jobs Are: Long Beach's Major Employers

Long Beach’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few major players, each with distinct hiring trends and workplace cultures.

1. MemorialCare Health System: This is the largest local employer. They operate Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. Hiring is continuous, especially for MAs in primary care, cardiology, and pediatrics. They offer structured career ladders and strong benefits. Trend: Actively expanding outpatient services in surrounding suburbs (Los Alamitos, Orange County), creating more jobs.

2. Dignity Health (now part of CommonSpirit Health): Runs St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. Known for a faith-based mission and a focus on community health. They frequently hire MAs for their busy emergency department and surgical departments. Trend: Looking for MAs with experience in high-volume, fast-paced settings.

3. Kaiser Permanente: While the main Long Beach medical center is in Orange County (Irvine), Kaiser has large medical offices in Long Beach (e.g., on Bellflower Blvd). Kaiser is a top-tier employer with excellent pay and benefits. Trend: Hiring is competitive; they prioritize MAs with experience in integrated health systems and electronic health records (EHR) like Epic.

4. Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services: The city’s public health department hires MAs for community clinics, immunization programs, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) services. Pay is public sector, so it’s stable but may be slightly lower than private systems. Trend: Growing focus on preventative care and serving vulnerable populations. Positions often come with strong job security.

5. Private Specialty Practices: Long Beach has a vibrant network of private practices. Top areas include:

   • Ophthalmology: Practices like Eye Care Associates of Long Beach.
   • Dermatology: Numerous clinics in the Los Altos and Belmont Shore areas.
   • Orthopedics: Associates with St. Mary’s or MemorialCare.
     Trend: These often pay more ($42,000 - $48,000) but may offer fewer benefits. They’re a great way to specialize and earn a higher wage.

6. Surgent Medical Education & EKG Services: A major training and staffing firm based in the area. They frequently contract MAs for temporary positions at various hospitals and clinics. Trend: Good for gaining diverse experience and building a resume, but less stable.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has specific requirements that are more stringent than many other states.

Requirements:

1. Education: Complete an accredited Medical Assistant program (typically 9-12 months). Ensure the program is accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.
2. Certification: While not legally mandatory for all duties, nearly all employers in Long Beach require certification. The two main ones are:
   • CMA (AAMA): Certified Medical Assistant. Gold standard, requires passing a national exam.
   • RMA (AMT): Registered Medical Assistant.
   • CCMA (NHA): Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.
3. Phlebotomy & EKG Certification: In CA, if you will be drawing blood or performing EKGs, you must hold a separate state-issued Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT I) certificate and/or an Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician certificate. This is a critical, often overlooked requirement.

Timeline & Costs:

• Program Tuition: $1,500 - $4,000 (community colleges like Long Beach City College are most affordable).
• Exam Fees: $120 - $200 for CMA/RMA/CCMA.
• Phlebotomy Certificate: Additional course ($800-$1,200) and state exam fee ($100).
• Total Time: 9-12 months for the core MA program, plus 1-2 months if you need phlebotomy certification.

Insider Tip: Long Beach City College (LBCC) offers a highly respected and affordable MA program. Their graduates are heavily recruited by local hospitals. Start there to save thousands. Also, when job hunting, state clearly on your resume: “CMA (AAMA) and California CPT I Certified.” This immediately sets you apart.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Long Beach dramatically affects your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Los Altos / Bixby Knolls	Quiet, family-oriented. Central location, easy access to the 405 and 605. ~15-20 min commute to most hospitals.	$1,900 - $2,100	MAs with families or those who want a peaceful home base. Close to MemorialCare’s main campus.
Belmont Shore / Naples	Upscale, coastal. Walkable, vibrant nightlife. Commute to downtown hospitals is easy via Ocean Blvd.	$2,100 - $2,400	Younger MAs who prioritize lifestyle and don’t mind a slightly longer commute. Parking can be a nightmare.
Downtown / East Village	Urban, bustling. Close to St. Mary Medical Center and the Health Department. Walk/bike to work is possible.	$1,800 - $2,200	MAs who work at St. Mary’s or city clinics and want an urban, apartment-dwelling lifestyle.
Lakewood (border)	Suburban, quiet. Technically outside Long Beach but right next door. More affordable, with older apartment complexes.	$1,700 - $1,900	Budget-conscious MAs. Easy commute to Long Beach hospitals via the 605 or local streets.
Wrigley / Alamitos Beach	Transitional, eclectic. Older, more affordable housing stock. Close to the 710 for quick access to hospitals.	$1,600 - $1,900	MAs seeking affordability and don’t mind a grittier, more artistic neighborhood.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments in the "Wrigley" or "California Heights" areas. You get more square footage for your money, and the commute to Long Beach Medical Center is a straight shot down Bellflower Blvd (10-15 minutes).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Long Beach offers solid pathways for advancement beyond the standard MA role.

Specialty Premiums:

• Ophthalmic Assistant (COA): Can add $3,000 - $5,000 to your base salary. High demand due to the aging population and large number of specialty practices.
• Podiatric Medical Assistant: Specialized training can lead to a $2,000 - $4,000 premium.
• Surgical Technologist (after additional schooling): This is a significant jump. With an associate's degree, you can earn $55,000 - $65,000. Long Beach has two major hospitals with large surgical departments, making this a logical next step.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead MA / Office Manager: Move into a supervisory role in a private practice. Requires strong organizational and leadership skills.
2. Medical Assistant Instructor: With 5+ years of experience and a degree, you can teach at vocational schools like LBCC or Southern California Health Institute.
3. Clinical Research Coordinator: Long Beach is home to research institutions (e.g., part of the LA Biomed research network). This role pays more ($45,000 - $60,000) and requires regulatory knowledge.

10-Year Outlook (15% Growth):
The growth is real, but it’s not evenly distributed. The highest demand will be in:

• Geriatrics & Primary Care: Managing chronic conditions for an aging population.
• Pediatrics: With Miller Children’s, there’s a steady need.
• Telehealth Support: MAs who are tech-savvy and can manage remote patient monitoring will be in high demand.

The caution? Automation and AI may take over some administrative tasks (scheduling, basic triage), so MAs who focus on hands-on clinical skills and patient interaction will be more secure.

The Verdict: Is Long Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Growing Job Market: 898 jobs and 15% growth over 10 years.	High Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses strain the median $40,049 salary.
Diverse Employer Base: Mix of large hospitals, public health, and private practices.	Commute Challenges: Traffic on the 405 and 710 is notorious; living close to work is key.
Strong Specialization Opportunities: Easy to pivot into ophthalmology, derm, etc.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: Many new grads from local programs; need certification to stand out.
Vibrant, Diverse City: Beach access, cultural events, great food scene.	Parking & Housing Stress: Older housing stock, limited parking in desirable areas.
Pathways for Advancement: Clear routes to higher pay in specialties or management.	Income Ceiling: Without further education, salary growth is limited after the mid-level.

Final Recommendation:
Long Beach is a viable and rewarding place for a Medical Assistant, but it is not a "get rich quick" market. It is ideal for:

• MAs in a dual-income household.
• Those willing to specialize early (e.g., get CPT I and COA certs).
• People who value lifestyle (beach, diverse community) over maximizing savings.

If you are a single income earner on a strict budget, you will need to be extremely disciplined, live with roommates, or consider a neighboring, more affordable city. For long-term career growth and a dynamic living environment, Long Beach is a strong choice.

FAQs

Q: Is certification absolutely required to work as an MA in Long Beach?
A: Legally, no. But in practice, yes. 95% of job postings from major employers like MemorialCare and Dignity Health require CMA, RMA, or CCMA certification. Without it, you will be limited to very low-wage, non-clinical roles.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job here?
A: Check the career pages of the major employers listed above (MemorialCare, Dignity, Kaiser). Also, use Indeed and LinkedIn, but filter for "Long Beach" and "Medical Assistant." Networking through LBCC alumni groups or local MA associations is very effective. Many jobs are filled through internal referrals.

Q: How do I handle the high cost of living?
A: Roommates are the most common solution. Also, consider a studio apartment, living in a neighboring city (Lakewood, Cerritos), and using public transit (the Long Beach Blue Line metro) to avoid car costs. Budgeting meticulously from day one is non-negotiable.

Q: Are there opportunities for MAs to work in research?
A: Yes. The LA Biomed research network and private clinical research organizations (CROs) in the greater LA area hire MAs as research coordinators or assistants. This usually requires additional training in regulations (GCP) but pays better than standard MA roles.

Q: What’s the biggest surprise for MAs moving to Long Beach?
A: The sheer diversity of practice settings. You can work in a world-class children’s hospital, a public health clinic serving homeless populations, a high-end ophthalmology practice, and a busy community health center—all within a 10-mile radius. The learning opportunities are immense, but the pace and demands can vary wildly.