Medical Assistant in Redmond, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Redmond Stands

As a local, I can tell you upfront: working as a Medical Assistant (MA) in Redmond is a solid, middle-of-the-road proposition. It’s not a get-rich-quick field, but it’s stable, in demand, and offers a clear path for growth if you’re strategic. Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s where the reality check begins.

The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Redmond is $39,762 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.12/hour. It’s crucial to understand this is the median, not the entry-level start. Compared to the national average of $38,270/year, Redmond offers a slight premium. However, that premium is immediately challenged by the cost of living.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$34,000 - $38,000
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$39,000 - $44,000
Senior/Lead MA	5-10 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$53,000 - $60,000+

When you compare Redmond to other Washington cities, the picture gets nuanced. Seattle and Bellevue, with their massive hospital systems and higher cost of living, often post MA salaries in the $42,000 - $46,000 range. In contrast, smaller cities like Spokane or Yakima might see medians closer to $36,000 - $38,000. Redmond sits squarely in the middle. You’re paid more than in Eastern WA, but less than in the core Seattle metro. The trade-off is a slightly less chaotic commute and a slightly more manageable housing market (though "manageable" is a relative term here).

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many larger clinics and hospital systems in the area offer shift differentials for evenings, weekends, and on-call hours. An extra $2-$3 per hour can add up to several thousand dollars annually, pushing you toward the mid-career range faster.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally honest about the math. The median salary of $39,762 sounds reasonable until you factor in Washington State’s lack of a personal income tax (a major plus) and the notoriously high cost of housing.

First, the take-home. For simplicity, we’ll estimate federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. On a $39,762 salary, your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $2,850 - $2,950. (Always use a payroll calculator for your exact situation).

Now, rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Redmond rents for $1,864/month. That means housing alone would consume 62-65% of your take-home pay at the median salary. This is the fundamental challenge of living in Redmond as a single-income MA.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Medical Assistant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	~63%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	6%
Groceries	$350	12%
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400	14%
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$150	5%
Student Loans/Debt	$200	7%
Savings/Discretionary	-$294	-10%

The Verdict on Homeownership: Buying a home on a single MA salary in Redmond is currently out of reach for most. The median home price in Redmond is well over $1,000,000. A 20% down payment would be $200,000, and a monthly mortgage payment would likely exceed $4,000, which is impossible on a $39,762 salary. Homeownership is a long-term goal that typically requires dual incomes, a significant career advancement, or moving to a more affordable suburb. For now, renting, roommates, or living in a studio apartment are the practical options.

Where the Jobs Are: Redmond's Major Employers

Redmond’s healthcare job market is robust but highly specific. You won’t find large, standalone hospitals in downtown Redmond; instead, the ecosystem is built around major medical centers in neighboring cities and a network of specialized clinics here. Jobs in the Metro area are estimated at 160, indicating a consistent, competitive market.

Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Overlake Medical Center & Clinics (Bellevue): While the main hospital is in Bellevue (a 10-15 minute drive from most of Redmond), Overlake operates numerous primary care and specialty clinics directly in Redmond. This is a top-tier employer with excellent benefits. They are consistently hiring MAs for their Redmond-based clinics (like in the Overlake Medical Pavilion on 156th Ave NE). Hiring trend: Steady.

2. Swedish Medical Group (Issaquah & Redmond): Swedish has a major presence in Issaquah (about 15 mins east) and several clinics in Redmond, including the Swedish Redmond Specialty Care building on 116th Ave NE. They are part of the Providence system, which means strong union benefits and structured career ladders. Hiring trend: Growing, especially in specialty departments like orthopedics and cardiology.

3. The Everett Clinic (Part of Optum): With a large clinic in Redmond on 148th Ave NE, The Everett Clinic is a major primary care employer. They are known for their integrated model and often hire MAs for both front and back-office roles. Hiring trend: Stable.

4. Kaiser Permanente (Bellevue & Totem Lake): Kaiser’s flagship medical center is in Bellevue, but their Redmond clinic on 148th Ave NE is a busy primary care site. Kaiser is one of the highest-paying employers for MAs in the region, often starting above the median. However, competition for jobs is fierce. Hiring trend: Selective.

5. UW Medicine Primary Care (Redmond): The University of Washington’s primary care network has a clinic in Redmond. Working here can be a gateway to UW Medicine’s larger system and research opportunities. Hiring trend: Niche, but consistent.

6. Private Specialty Practices: Redmond is home to numerous private practices in dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and pediatrics. These can be excellent places to work, often with a more intimate office culture. Check job boards for names like Redmond Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center or Eastside Orthopedics. Hiring trend: Variable, but frequent openings.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs never hit public job boards. They are filled through internal referrals and temp-to-perm agencies like Aya Healthcare or Maxim Healthcare Services. Building a network through LinkedIn or local MA meetups is invaluable.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has clear requirements for Medical Assistants, administered by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). It’s not as complex as some states, but you cannot skip steps.

1. Education: You must complete a medical assistant program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This typically takes 9-12 months and costs between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the school (community colleges like Lake Washington Institute of Technology are more affordable). There are no state-approved programs in Redmond itself; the closest is in Kirkland (Lake WA Tech) or Seattle.

2. Certification (Highly Recommended): While WA doesn’t legally require national certification, it is a de facto requirement for employment. The two main ones are:

   • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
   • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
   • Cost: The exam fee is typically $120 - $200.

3. State Registration: Once you have your education and certification, you must register with the WA DOH. This involves a background check and application fee. The total cost for state registration is approximately $150.

   • Timeline: From starting school to being job-ready, expect a 12- to 18-month timeline. This includes your 9-12 month program, study time for the certification exam, and the state application processing (which can take 4-6 weeks).

Key Washington Rule: You must work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner. Your scope of practice is defined by your employer’s policies and state law.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live dramatically impacts your budget and commute. Here’s a local’s guide to Redmond’s neighborhoods, tailored for an MA on a median budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Redmond	Walkable, urban feel. Close to clinics on 116th Ave NE. Easy bus access.	$1,950 - $2,200	Those who want a short commute and don’t mind a smaller space.
Overlake	More residential, family-oriented. Home to Overlake Medical Center clinics.	$1,800 - $2,000	A balanced option. Good access to I-405 for commuting to Bellevue.
Education Hill	Quiet, suburban. A bit farther from major clinics but more affordable.	$1,700 - $1,900	Budget-conscious MAs who don’t mind a 10-15 minute drive to work.
SE Redmond (Near SR-520)	Close to the Microsoft campus and I-520. Very convenient for commuting to Bellevue/Kirkland.	$1,850 - $2,100	Those who may commute to Bellevue or work odd hours at a hospital.
Adjacent: Kirkland (Totem Lake)	Technically a different city, but a 10-minute drive. More apartment options, vibrant commercial center.	$1,750 - $1,950	A great alternative if you find a job in Kirkland or Bellevue and want more rental inventory.

Insider Tip: Look for older apartment complexes or "mother-in-law" suites (ADUs) in residential neighborhoods. They can be significantly cheaper than the new luxury builds downtown. Check Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor for these hidden gems.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Starting as an MA in Redmond is a launchpad, not a ceiling. The 10-year job growth projection of 15% is healthy, but to maximize your income, you need to specialize or advance.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties can earn $5,000 - $10,000 more per year than the general median. The highest premiums are in:

  • Ophthalmology & Optometry: Requires specific knowledge of eye exams and surgical assisting.
  • Dermatology: Involves procedural assisting and cosmetics, which are lucrative fields in this area.
  • Orthopedics/Surgery Centers: Requires knowledge of surgical trays and sterile technique. Often includes call pay.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Lead MA/Office Manager: Takes on administrative duties. Can pay $50,000 - $60,000.
  2. Phlebotomy or EKG Certification: Adding these skills makes you more versatile and can lead to roles in hospital labs or cardiology clinics.
  3. Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs use their experience and credits to enter RN programs. This is a common and well-trodden path in the Seattle area, where RNs start in the $75,000 - $90,000 range.
  4. Clinical Research Coordinator: Redmond is near biotech hubs. MAs with strong organizational skills can transition into research roles, which are often better paid.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to an aging population and the expansion of primary care. However, automation and telehealth may change the MA role, emphasizing patient interaction and tech skills over purely administrative tasks. Those who adapt will thrive.

The Verdict: Is Redmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Growing Job Market: Consistent demand from major clinics and hospitals.	High Cost of Living: Rent will dominate your budget. Homeownership is a distant dream on a single MA salary.
Proximity to Top Employers: Easy access to Bellevue, Kirkland, and Issaquah job markets.	Competitive Market: You’re competing with MAs from the entire Seattle metro.
No State Income Tax: More of your paycheck stays in your pocket.	Traffic Congestion: Commuting to Bellevue or Seattle during rush hour can be frustrating.
Career Advancement Hub: Easy to find specialty roles or transition to nursing.	Limited Social Scene for Young Singles: Redmond is more family-oriented; nightlife is quiet.
Good Work-Life Balance (Compared to Seattle): Less intense than downtown, easier to find parking.	Rent is Non-Negotiable: The average $1,864/month is a fixed cost that limits financial flexibility.

Final Recommendation:
Redmond is a strong choice for Medical Assistants who are career-focused and roommate-tolerant. It’s ideal if you’re looking to gain experience in a specialty clinic, save money for a future nursing degree, or value a quieter, greener environment over a bustling city life. If your primary goal is to buy a home quickly on a single MA salary, you will need to look east to cities like Everett or Tacoma, where housing is more affordable. For MAs willing to budget carefully and invest in their long-term skills, Redmond offers a stable platform for a satisfying healthcare career.

FAQs

1. Can I survive on the median MA salary in Redmond?
Yes, but it requires a strict budget and likely a roommate or a studio apartment. The $39,762 median is a starting point. With shift differentials, a few years of experience, or a side job, you can move into the $45,000+ range, which provides significantly more breathing room.

2. Is certification mandatory in Washington?
No, state law does not require it. However, 99% of employers in the Redmond area require either a CMA or RMA. It is a non-negotiable part of being a competitive candidate.

3. What’s the best way to find my first MA job in Redmond?
Start by applying directly to the major employers listed above (Overlake, Swedish, etc.). Simultaneously, register with a local healthcare staffing agency. They often have temp-to-perm roles that are easier to get into and can lead to full-time positions. Networking on LinkedIn with clinic managers is highly effective.

4. How does the commute from Seattle or Bellevue to Redmond affect quality of life?
Driving from Seattle to Redmond against the main flow of traffic (south in the morning, north in the evening) is manageable (30-45 mins). However, the cost of living in Seattle is even higher. Living in Bellevue and commuting to Redmond is very short (10-20 mins) but Bellevue rent is significantly more expensive. The sweet spot is often living in Redmond or Kirkland and working in Redmond.

5. Are there part-time or per-diem MA opportunities?
Yes, especially in larger systems like Overlake and Swedish. Per-diem roles offer flexibility and a higher hourly rate but lack benefits. This can be a good option for MAs also in school or with another part-time job. Many private practices also offer part-time schedules.