Medical Assistant vs. RN Salary: Which is More?

It’s no secret that medical assistant vs. RN salary is a hot topic. With the current nursing shortage, many people are wondering which is the better career choice.

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Introduction

The medical field is one of the few areas where employees can choose between two very different types of salaries. Medical assistants and registered nurses (RNs) both provide important care to patients, but their salaries can differ greatly. So which position pays more?

Medical assistants typically earn less than RNs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Medical Assistants was $33,610 in 2018, while RNs earned a median salary of $71,730.

However, it’s important to note that salaries for both medical assistants and RNs can vary depending on experience, education, geographic location, and other factors. For example, medical assistants who have completed a postsecondary education program may earn more than those who have not. And RNs who work in hospitals or other large medical facilities may earn more than those who work in smaller clinics or doctor’s offices.

When it comes to job outlook, both medical assistants and RNs are expected to enjoy positive growth in the coming years. The BLS projects that employment for medical assistants will grow 23% from 2018 to 2028, while employment for RNs is expected to grow 12% during that same time period.

Medical Assistant Salary

Medical assistants are one of the most in-demand and versatile professions in healthcare. Though they perform many of the same duties as nurses, they typically do not need as much education or training. As a result, medical assistants earn lower salaries than RNs.

However, medical assistant salaries can vary widely based on experience, geographic location, and other factors. In general, medical assistants in urban areas with more experience tend to earn more than their rural counterparts. Additionally, those who work in specialty clinics or hospitals may earn higher salaries than those who work in primary care offices.

At the high end of the pay scale, some medical assistants earn salaries that are comparable to those of RNs. However, most medical assistants fall within a salary range that is significantly lower than that of RNs. The median annual salary for medical assistants was $32,480 in May 2016, while the median annual salary for RNs was $68,450 during the same time period.

RN Salary

Medical assistants and registered nurses (RNs) are both health care professionals who play important roles in patient care. But what is the difference between these two occupations, and how does their average salary compare?

Medical assistants are generally responsible for handling administrative and clinical tasks in doctors’ offices, hospitals, and other health care facilities. They may perform tasks such as taking medical histories and recording vital signs, scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance paperwork, and assisting with minor medical procedures.

RNs, on the other hand, are responsible for providing direct patient care. They may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, nursing homes and Home Health Care services. RNs typically have more education than medical assistants; they must complete an accredited nursing program and pass a national licensing exam before they can practice.

So which occupation earns more money? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in 2018, while the median annual salary for RNs was $71,730. Thus RNs earned more than twice as much as medical assistants on average. However, it’s important to note that salaries vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, geographic location, and employer.

Which is More?

Between a medical assistant and an RN, there are many similarities. Both positions work in the medical field and both positions have a lot of responsibility. However, there are also some key differences between the two positions. One of the biggest differences is the salary. Here is a breakdown of the average salary for each position:

Medical Assistant: $33,610 per year
RN: $67,490 per year

As you can see, RNs make nearly twice as much as medical assistants. However, it is important to keep in mind that this is just an average. salaries will vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

Factors to Consider

There are several things to consider when making a decision about whether to become a medical assistant or an RN. The most important factor is probably salary. RNs definitely make more money than medical assistants, but there are other things to consider as well.

Here are some other things to think about:
– The job outlook for both positions is good, but it is better for RNs.
– RNs have more responsibility than medical assistants, and the job can be more stressful.
– RNs need to complete a four-year degree, while medical assistants only need a two-year degree or certification.
– RNs can advance their careers in ways that medical assistants cannot, such as becoming nurse practitioners or working in management positions.

Think about all of these factors before making a decision about which position is right for you.

Pros and Cons

When it comes to medical careers, both medical assistants and registered nurses have a lot to offer. But which one is right for you? It all comes down to your goals, interests, and preferences.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each career to help you make a decision:

Medical Assistant Pros:
-Can enter the field with just a certificate or diploma
-Tasks are generally less complex than those of an RN
-Shorter education and training requirements
-Many roles do not require shift work or weekends
-Can work in a variety of settings
-Employment growth is faster than average

Medical Assistant Cons:
-Wages are generally lower than those of an RN
-Career advancement opportunities are limited
-Tasks can be repetitive and sometimes monotonous

RN Pros:
-Can specialize in a particular area of interest
-Greater autonomy than medical assistant roles
-Roles tend to be more dynamic and challenging
-RNs have more opportunity for career advancement than medical assistants
-Higher salary potential than medical assistants

RN Cons: -More education and training required -Can be required to work shift work or weekends -May have to deal with more complex health issues -Employment growth is slower than average

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that both medical assistants and RNs make great salaries. However, RNs tend to make slightly more than medical assistants. If you want to maximize your earnings potential, becoming an RN may be the better choice.