Medical assistants
SOC Code: 31-9092
Medical assistants carries a 49% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $44,200 and +12.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 811,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Medical assistants (SOC 31-9092) carries an AI exposure score of 49%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 811,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +12.5% change through 2034 — a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $44,200, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Medical assistants. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Medical assistants is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train — apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
- 2. Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
- 3. Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
- 4. Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
- 5. Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
- 6. Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
- 7. Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
- 8. Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
- 9. Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
- 10. Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
Key Skills Required
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Administrative
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Medical assistants?
Medical assistants has an AI exposure score of 49%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Medical assistants?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Medical assistants is projected to grow by 12.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 811,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Medical assistants?
Key skills for Medical assistants include Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Medical assistants earn?
The median annual wage for Medical assistants is $44,200, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Medical assistants?
The typical entry-level education for Medical assistants is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Medical assistants?
Medical assistants roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).