What is a Medical Assistant’s Salary? [Updated Info]

Imagine this: You're a recent high school graduate, eager to jump into a fulfilling career. You're drawn to the medical field, but the thought of years of medical school seems daunting. But what if I told you there's a rewarding career path in healthcare that doesn't require a lengthy degree, but is also lucrative in terms of money?

Becoming a medical assistant.

Medical assistants play a vital role in the healthcare system, assisting physicians and other healthcare professionals in various settings. But what exactly can you expect to earn as a medical assistant? Let's find out in this detailed medical assistant salary guide we’ve curated for you.

But what exactly can you expect to earn as a medical assistant? Let's find out in this detailed medical assistant salary guide we’ve curated for you.

Understanding the Role of a Medical Assistant

But before we delve into the numbers, let's take a brief look at what exactly does a job as a medical assistant entail.

These professionals perform a wide range of duties, including:

• Prepping patients for medical exams: This can involve taking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration), collecting medical histories, and preparing patients for procedures.

• Performing basic lab tests: This may include collecting blood and urine samples, performing basic laboratory tests, and preparing specimens for transport to a laboratory.

• Managing patient records: Medical assistants are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date patient records, including scheduling appointments, handling insurance claims, and managing medical files.

• Administering medications: In some cases, medical assistants may administer medications under the supervision of a physician.

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The salary of a medical assistant can vary widely depending on a number of factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the median annual wage for medical assistants in the U.S. was $42,000 in 2023. And considering the job outlook- which is estimated at 15% (much above than average) for 2023-2033 – there’s bound to have an increase in pay due to rising demand for healthcare services.

And as the population ages and healthcare becomes more complex, the need for medical assistants will continue to increase.

Factors Influencing Medical Assistant Salary

Several factors can significantly impact a medical assistant's salary. These include:

• Experience

As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. More experienced medical assistants generally command higher salaries.

• Education and Certification

Obtaining certifications such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can boost earning potential.

• Location

Geographic location significantly influences salaries. Medical assistants in major metropolitan areas or high-cost-of-living regions typically earn more than those in rural areas. For instance, the medical assistant salary in California tends to be higher than average.

• Specialization

Medical assistants specializing in specific areas, such as pediatrics or dermatology, may earn higher salaries.

• Workplace Setting

Salaries also vary depending on where you work. You might assume that all medical assistants are either found in hospitals or at some doctor’s office, but that isn’t the case.

In fact, medical assistants work in various other settings like outpatient care centers, physicians’ offices, or chiropractors’ office to name a few.

That’s why, a pediatric medical assistant’s salary might differ from that of a medical assistant working in a hospital, nursing home or a private practice.

• Employer

The size and type of employer can also influence salary. Larger healthcare organizations may offer higher salaries and hefty benefits than most.

Best states for Medical Assistants to work in

While medical assistants perform similar duties across the country, some states offer competitive salaries and better opportunities than others. Factors like a state’s healthcare infrastructure, cost of living, and demand for services greatly influence these variations.

That being said, here’s a look at the top states for medical assistants based on salary, job availability, and overall cost of living.

• Georgia

Median Salary: $38,060
Georgia stands on the top for its affordable living costs and growing healthcare industry. It’s home to various prominent medical centers, and Georgia’s job outlook for medical assistants is projected to grow by 34% by 2030.

• Michigan

Median Salary: $38,300
Michigan is a mixture of decent pay and a moderate cost of living. Known for its commitment to healthcare, Michigan ranks number 2 for medical assistant employment.

• Texas

Median Salary: $37,570
Texas offers one of the highest employment numbers for medical assistants, with more than 66,000 jobs in the field. And while salaries there may be slightly lower than others, the cost of living is too, balancing it out.

• Indiana

Median Salary: $40,680
Indiana is a state that has the option for affordable housing plus a healthy job market. Its cost of living is also among the lowest, making it an attractive state for medical assistants seeking a decent pay and moderate lifestyle.

• California

Median Salary:$46,690
California stands on the top as far as medical assistant employment numbers go, but its high cost of living is a major downside for many.

• Arizona

Median Salary: $43,770
Arizona is a popular state for retirees, and isn’t much of an attractive state for youths. However, the state offers competitive salaries and excellent job opportunities, particularly in cities like Phoenix.

• Florida

Median Salary:$38,340
Like Arizona, Florida is the ultimate hub for the retiree population, which creates an ever-growing demand for healthcare services. Medical assistants in Florida enjoy good pay, and the state’s affordable cost of living adds to the package.

• Oregon

Median Salary: $48,350
While Oregon offers one of the highest salaries for medical assistants, its cost of living is above average. However, with a strong healthcare system and scenic living, it remains an attractive option despite its higher expenses.

• Ohio

Median Salary: $38,280
Ohio is home to world-class healthcare institutions. And with a relatively low cost of living and a steady demand for medical assistants, Ohio is a solid option for those seeking a balance between decent pay and a good lifestyle.

• Tennessee

Median Salary:$37,350
Tennessee is known for its low cost of living and solid employment rates for medical assistants. With a projected 21% growth in medical assistant jobs by 2030, Tennessee offers both career stability and affordability.

How to Increase Your Medical Assistant Salary

• Obtain Relevant Certifications: Earning the appropriate credentials or relevant certifications like a certified medical assistant can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Gain Experience: The more experience you gain, the higher your salary is likely to be. As a lead medical assistant, you may oversee the work of other assistants, which naturally amounts to higher compensation.
• Seek Out Continuing Education: Staying updated on the latest medical advancements and best practices can make you a more valuable asset to your employer.
• Consider Specialization: Focusing on a particular medical specialty can open doors to higher-paying positions.
• Network: Building strong professional relationships can lead to job opportunities with higher salaries.

Conclusion

A career as a medical assistant offers a rewarding path for individuals interested in healthcare.

While the medical assistant salary can vary depending on several factors like experience, location, and workplace setting, it’s fairly straightforward to get into and create a stable income some time into the field.

If pursuing this kind healthcare field entices you and would like to dive deeper, Quick Health Certified can help. With our quick, affordable, and self-paced healthcare courses including our medical assistant bootcamp, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and skills you need and build a successful career in this ever-expanding field.

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