In the healthcare industry, medical assistants play a crucial role in providing administrative and clinical support to healthcare professionals.
If you are considering a career as a medical assistant, one important aspect to consider is the salary potential.
We'll uncover the average medical assistant salary, explore the factors that influence their earning potential, and provide valuable insights into how much medical assistants make across the United States.
Join us on this journey as we unravel the fascinating domain of medical assistant salaries in the current job market.
- What factors influence a medical assistant salary?
- How much do medical assistants make?
- What is the highest a medical assistant can get paid?
Factors Influencing a Medical Assistant Salary
Medical assistant salaries can vary based on several factors, including location, experience, education, and the type of healthcare facility.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants is $38,270 per year or $18.40 per hour.
However, it's important to note that individual salaries can range significantly below or above the median, depending on the following factors:
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Location: The geographical location where you work can have a significant impact on your salary. In areas with a higher cost of living or higher demand for medical assistants, salaries tend to be higher. For example, medical assistants working in metropolitan states like New York or California generally earn higher salaries compared to those in other states.
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Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role in determining salary. Medical assistant salary entry-level may start low, but is expected to increase with more experience and skills. Check out the figures below to understand the average hourly pay, starting from entry-level to senior medical assistant salary:
| Years of Experience | Average Medical Assistant Salary Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $17.38 |
| 1 to 2 years | $18.12 |
| 3 to 5 years | $19.44 |
| 6 to 9 years | $19.81 |
| More than 10 years | $21.92 |
- Education and Certification: Medical assistants with formal education and certification often have better-earning potential. Graduating from an accredited medical assisting program and obtaining certification, such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), can enhance your qualifications and increase your market value.
Also read: What are the roles and responsibilities of a medical assistant?
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Specialization: Medical assistants can choose to specialize in specific areas, and based on that the figures can vary. For instance, nuclear medicine pays about 76.39% more than the average medical assistant salary. Also, if you specialize in dissection, you’re subjected to earn a 37.07% higher medical assistant salary as compared to the national average.
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Healthcare Setting: The type of healthcare facility you work in can have an impact on your salary. Medical assistants working in insurance carriers or consulting services earn higher salaries compared to those in smaller clinics or physician's offices.
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Additional Skills: Individuals with additional skills, such as phlebotomy, electrocardiography (EKG), or medical billing and coding, may command higher a medical assistant salary due to their expanded scope of practice.
Check out our medical assistant template blogs for guidance:
Medical Assistant Resume
Medical Assistant Cover Letter
How Much Do Medical Assistants Make?
Let’s take a look at some key industry trends first by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- About 123,000 openings for medical assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
This growth is attributed to several factors, including an aging population, increased access to healthcare, and the need for healthcare providers to maximize efficiency.
To provide a better understanding of the medical assistant salary range, here is a table showcasing the average medical assistant salary per annum across different states:
| Salary | State |
|---|---|
| California | $43,133 |
| Florida | $37,150 |
| New York | $45,949 |
| Texas | $38,440 |
| New Jersey | $43,100 |
| Ohio | $38,353 |
| Georgia | $37,945 |
| Illinois | $40,181 |
Also read: What are some medical assistant part-time jobs that you can land?
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Salary
Here are some tips to help you maximize your earning potential as a medical assistant:
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Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest advancements in healthcare by pursuing continuing education courses or certifications. This will not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also make you a more valuable asset to employers, potentially leading to higher salaries.
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Specialization: Consider specializing in a particular area of healthcare that interests you. By acquiring specialized skills and knowledge, you can position yourself as an expert, increasing your market value and salary potential.
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Networking and Professional Associations: Join professional associations, attend industry conferences, and network with other healthcare professionals. Building a strong professional network can open doors to better job opportunities and higher-paying positions.
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Negotiation Skills: When applying for a new job or seeking a raise, hone your negotiation skills. Research salary ranges for medical assistants in your area and leverages your qualifications and experience to negotiate a competitive salary.
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Performance and Professionalism: Demonstrate a strong work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to your job. Consistently delivering high-quality work and going above and beyond expectations can lead to recognition and potential salary advancements.
Also read: What are the commonly asked medical assistant interview questions?
FAQs on Medical Assistant Salary
Remember to keep checking reliable sources, such as industry associations, job market reports, and government statistics, for the most up-to-date and accurate information on medical assistant salaries in your area.
Let’s wrap up with some of the most frequently asked questions regarding medical assistant salaries:
What Setting Do Medical Assistants Make the Most Money?
The type of healthcare setting you work in greatly impacts your medical assistant salary. Industries paying the highest-paying medical assistant salary are:
- Insurance carriers
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
- Junior colleges
- Scientific research and development services
- Agencies, brokerages, and other insurance-related industries
What is the Minimum Wage for a Medical Assistant?
The starting salary as per Salary.com for a medical assistant is $36,050. This figure can vary depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make in an Hour?
The hourly medical assistant salary range is between $17.38 to $21.92 and the exact figure that you finally land will greatly depend on the number of years of experience under your belt.
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