How much does a medical assistant earn?
Medical assistants (Medizinische Fachangestellte, MFA) organise everyday practice and clinic work: they welcome patients, assist with examinations and treatments, carry out lab tests and vaccinations, document findings and handle billing and appointments. Dual apprenticeship training usually takes three years. Gross pay depends on region, collective agreements (e.g. MFA tariff), specialism (GP, specialist practice, hospital) and experience. As a guide, qualified MFA in Germany in 2026 often earn about €2,700–€3,300 gross per month; during apprenticeship around €980–€1,300 is typical.
Salary by region (gross/month)
Guide figures as of 2026. The training column refers to typical apprenticeship pay across training years. Qualified means working medical assistants (MFA). Actual pay depends on collective agreements, practice or hospital employer, region, specialism, experience and working-time model and is not a guarantee.
Further training options
Job and everyday work
Medical assistants work in GP and specialist practices, medical care centres, hospitals and health centres. Everyday work combines patient contact, clinical assistance, lab and hygiene with organisation, documentation and billing – closely coordinated with doctors and the practice team.
- Welcome patients, coordinate appointments and prioritise requests and emergencies.
- Assist with examinations and treatments, measure vital signs and carry out simple laboratory tests.
- Prepare or support vaccinations, dressings and sample collection and follow hygiene rules.
- Document findings and treatment courses in practice software and prepare prescriptions and referrals.
- Support billing under EBM/GOÄ, order supplies and organise waiting and treatment rooms.
- Coordinate with the medical team and colleagues; use further training and specialisations (e.g. oncology).
