Licensed Practical vs Medical Assistants

Licensed Practical earns $18,140 more at the middle. Every figure is US government data you can check.

Licensed PracticalMedical Assistants
Pay in the middle
median annual wage, May 2024
$62,340$44,200
Pay range
10th to 90th percentile
$47,960 to $80,510$35,020 to $57,830
Years of school you pay for
our own estimate from published entry requirements, not a BLS figure
11
Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardPostsecondary nondegree award
Jobs opening up each year54,400112,300
Growth by 20343%12%
People doing it now651,400811,000
Where the pay is highest and lowest
state medians, not adjusted for cost of living or taxes
$79,700 in Washington down to $48,850 in Mississippi$55,120 in Washington down to $34,800 in Mississippi
Compare these in your state →

Also compared: Automotive Service Technicians vs Licensed Practical Automotive Service Technicians vs Medical Assistants

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment and wage data, May 2024, and employment projections 2024-34. Years of school is our own estimate from published entry requirements, not a BLS figure. State medians are not adjusted for cost of living or taxes, and that difference could be large either way. No advice, just data.