Medical Assistant Salary Guide: How Much Can You Earn

Medical assistants play a pivotal role in the healthcare system, and while most do what they do because they love the work, it's important to understand what you might earn and the factors that can affect your salary. Whether you work at your local doctor's office or an emergency care facility, you can find a reliable income, benefits, and perks in this position across the nation. Do you want to learn what to expect from a medical assistant career? Take a look at our comprehensive salary guide for medical assistants to decide on where you might live, work, and earn.

What is the Salary Range for Medical Assistants in the United States?

The salary of medical assistants in the United States varies depending on many factors such as location, experience, and specific job roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median annual salary for medical assistants was approximately $42,000¹. At an entry-level position, you can earn around $33,500 per year, while experienced professionals can earn more than $56,000². These figures can differ based on demand and regional economic conditions. As a medical assistant, you can increase your earnings through overtime pay and bonuses. Earning certifications can also help boost your pay. And your salary will be greatly affected by where you live and work.

Where Do Medical Assistants Earn the Most?

Cities and regions with higher populations and costs of living tend to offer medical assistants higher earning potential. Many states in the Midwestern and Northeastern United States like Illinois³, Connecticut⁴, Rhode Island⁵, and Maryland⁶, report earnings more than the national mean.

Areas outside of large cities and regions may have lower wages, but those salaries can be offset by a lower cost of living. You should consider your personal preferences, priorities, expenses, and factors that might contribute to work-life balance as you decide where you would want to work and live as a medical assistant.

What Skills May Increase Medical Assistant Salaries?

Among the skills that might make you a more valuable job candidate for a medical assistant role are several patient care and administrative skills. Skills such as phlebotomy, EKG administration, and medical billing & coding are highly valued for medical assistants, so mastering them could put you at a competitive advantage in the job market and help you ask for better compensation.

Where Are Medical Assistants Most in Demand?

Demand for medical assistants is projected to grow nationwide throughout the decade⁷, but some states and regions have more growth opportunities than others. States like California, Texas, and Florida have some of the highest employment levels⁸. Demand around and above the national average is also projected for several states including Connecticut⁹, Georgia¹⁰, Indiana¹¹, New Jersey¹², and Pennsylvania¹³. This growth is driven by factors such as population growth, and cities like Atlanta, GA continue to experience these increases, reporting nearly a 63,000 person increase from 2023 to 2024. With that level of growth and the projected 34% demand growth¹⁴, in the state of Georgia, Atlanta could be a city with great opportunity for you as a medical assistant to break into the field.

What Career Growth is Available for Medical Assistants?

If you specialize as a medical assistant, you may be able to be more competitive in the field. With continued training and education, you can obtain managerial, supervisory, and specialty roles in healthcare, allowing you to earn more. Some specializations you can pursue as a medical assistant include:

• Obstetric Medical Assistant
• Podiatric Medical Assistant
• Ophthalmologic Medical Assistant
• Chiropractic Medical Assistant

What Certifications do Medical Assistants Get?

Certification requirements for medical assistants vary by state and employer. Healthcare facilities will generally require you to have some level of formal education or experience as a medical assistant to work in their practice. You can train to become a medical assistant and upon graduation, take and pass the Registered Medical Assistant exam for to acquire your certificate.

What Are Common Benefits and Perks for Medical Assistants?

Imagine a career where you get to help others every day? One of the most important benefits to becoming a medical assistant is that you get to do important work, helping others. But there are other benefits to the career path. When you conduct your job search, be sure to ask about health insurance, dental and vision coverage, disability, retirement plans, paid time off, and parental leave. Some employers may also offer additional benefits such as discounted prescription medications and healthcare provider discounts. Benefits like these contribute to your compensation and can make your line of work more satisfying overall.

There are many factors to consider as you seek employment as a medical assistant. You should think about your current skillset, education, and desired location when making your decision. Whether you are just starting or have years of experience, understanding the salary landscape, regional demands, and potential career paths can help you navigate and maximize your career in this rewarding field.

References:

^{1, 2} U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024j, April 17). Medical assistants: Occupational outlook handbook. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-5 May 21, 2024

³ Illinois wages: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-9092.00?st=IL Retrieved Aug 14, 2024

⁴ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.-b). Connecticut wages: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-9092.00?st=CT Retrieved Aug 13,2024

⁵ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.-c). Rhode Island Wages: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-9092.00?st=RI Retrieved Aug 13, 2024

⁶ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.-c). Maryland wages: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-9092.00?st=MD Retrieved Aug 13, 2024

⁷ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). Medical assistants. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-6 Retrieved Aug 13, 2024

⁸ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024a, April 3). Medical assistants. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319092.htm#st:~:text=Customized%20Tables%20function.-,States%20with%20the%20highest,-employment%20level%20in Retrieved Aug 13, 2024

⁹ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.-b). Connecticut Employment Trends: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9092.00?st=CT Retrieved Aug 13, 2024

¹⁰ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.-d). Georgia Employment Trends: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9092.00?st=GA Retrieved Aug 13, 2024

¹¹ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.-e). Indiana Employment Trends: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9092.00?st=IN Retrieved Aug 13, 2024

¹² O*NET OnLine. (n.d.-g). New Jersey Employment Trends: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9092.00?st=NJ Aug 13, 2024

¹³ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.-h). Pennsylvania Employment Trends: 31-9092.00 - medical assistants. O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9092.00?st=PA Retrieved Aug 13, 2024

¹⁴ O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Local Salary Info: Medical Assistants in Georgia. O*NET Resource Center. Retrieved August 14, 2024, from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-9092.00?st=GA

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.