Medical Assistant Jobs in California
Medical assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand across outpatient clinics, multispecialty group practices, and health systems serving one of the largest patient populations in the United States, and openings range from entry-level to senior clinical roles. Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area lead hiring volume, with large employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Sutter Health consistently posting openings. The most in-demand specialties in California are family medicine, pediatrics, and dermatology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, United States
#141995 Medical Assistant - Dermatology - Hillcrest
Filing Deadline: Mon 11/9/2026UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/29/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DESCRIPTION
Under direct supervision of the clinic manager and the general supervision of the clinic providers and licensed nursing staff, the Medical Assistant performs work that requires specific knowledge and training in patient care duties within the business and professions code of the State of California and/or the regulations of The Joint Commission (TJC). These duties also include, but are not limited to, clinical patient flow functions, environmental care functions, equipment/supply management, and cleaning/disinfecting the environment. This position also requires knowledge of medical terminology, online scheduling, universal precautions, and proper use of body mechanics. Additionally, the Medical Assistant must demonstrate initiative, the ability to prioritize tasks, and the capacity to work effectively in a team environment. Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Two (2) years or more of Medical Assistant experience.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) OR Certificate of completion of a Medical Assistant training program.
BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART within six (6) months of hire date.
Knowledge and training in patient care, environmental care functions, equipment/supplymanagement, and cleaning / disinfecting the environment.
Knowledge of online scheduling, universal precautions, and body mechanics.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Recent Dermatology experience.
One (1) year of ambulatory clinic experience.
Prior experience with Epic documentation/scheduling.
Medical terminology training or certification.
Previous back office experience.
Procedural experience.
Wound care experience.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.
Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $56,063 - $74,020 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $26.85 - $35.45
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.
UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!
Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Job Details
See All 333+ Medical Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Medical Assistant JobsMedical Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Medical Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sutter Health39

- Providence12

- Kaiser Permanente6

- UC San Diego Health6

- CALRegional5

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services16
- Insurance3
- Education1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in medical assistant jobs across California.
- Completion of an accredited medical assistant program or equivalent clinical training in California
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential preferred by most employers
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems such as Epic or Athenahealth
- Ability to perform front- and back-office duties including phlebotomy and vital signs
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required by most California clinical settings
- Strong bilingual communication skills, particularly Spanish, valued across California patient populations
Medical Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a medical assistant in California?
California does not require a state-issued license for medical assistants, but employers strongly prefer candidates who have completed an accredited medical assistant program and hold a national credential such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists. Most programs take under two years and are available through California community colleges and vocational schools. A BLS certification is also expected before starting most clinical roles.
How much do medical assistants make in California?
Medical assistants in California earn a median of about $49,660 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $39,290 for the lowest 10% to over $77,300 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire medical assistants in California?
Employers hiring medical assistants in California right now include Sutter Health, Providence, and Kaiser Permanente, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's dense network of integrated health systems, independent medical groups, and federally qualified health centers means consistent openings across both major metros and underserved rural communities throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most medical assistant jobs?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento have the most medical assistant openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego generate high volume through their large hospital networks and outpatient clinic infrastructure, while San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area cities are driven by large integrated systems like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health, which operate dozens of medical offices across the region.
Are there remote medical assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Medical assistants primarily perform hands-on clinical tasks that require an in-person presence, so most roles are on-site. About 7% of medical assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions are typically limited to administrative or care coordination functions such as patient outreach, prior authorizations, or telehealth support roles.
How can I get hired as a medical assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an accredited California community college medical assistant program, which often includes an externship that leads directly to a job offer. Large California health systems such as Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health run new-hire training tracks for recent program graduates. Candidates coming from adjacent roles such as patient service representative, medical receptionist, or certified nursing assistant have a strong starting point, and earning a CMA or RMA credential significantly improves hiring odds even without paid clinical experience.
Where can I find and apply to medical assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to medical assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 333+ Medical Assistant Jobs in California
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