Certified Medical Assistant Salary in 2019

Curious about how much certified Medical assistants make in 2019? We’ve got the scoop on salaries, plus tips on how to maximize your earnings in this in-demand profession.

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How Much Does a Certified medical assistant Make in 2019?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Medical Assistants was $33,610 in 2018. The top 10% of medical assistants earned more than $48,720, and the bottom 10% earned less than $24,610.

Pay for medical assistants varies by employer, but most earn salaries within a range of $29,000 to $39,000 per year. Entry-level medical assistants typically start out near the bottom of this range, while those with more experience and training can earn salaries at the higher end.

The Best-Paying States for Certified Medical Assistants in 2019

The best-paying states for certified medical assistants in 2019 are Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Oregon. These states offer an average salary of $51,000 per year for certified medical assistants, which is significantly higher than the national average of $34,800 per year.

certified medical assistants in Alaska earn an average of $57,000 per year, while those in Hawaii earn $56,000 per year. Those in Massachusetts earn $54,000 per year on average, while those in New Hampshire and Oregon earn $53,000 and $52,000 per year respectively.

On the other end of the spectrum are the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia. These states offer an average salary of less than $30,000 per year for certified medical assistants.

The Metropolitan Areas With the Highest Salaries for Certified Medical Assistants in 2019

There is a wide range in Certified medical assistant (CMA) salaries across the United States The metropolitan areas with the highest average salary for CMAs in 2019 were as follows:

– Bridgeport, CT: $52,000
– San Francisco, CA: $51,000
– Los Angeles, CA: $48,000
– Seattle, WA: $47,000
– Hartford, CT: $46,000

The Non-Metropolitan Areas With the Highest Salaries for Certified Medical Assistants in 2019

The table below lists the non-metropolitan areas in the United States with the highest average salary for certified medical assistants in 2019.

1. Fairbanks, Alaska – $62,040
2. Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma – $57,980
3. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri – $56,080
4. Western Montana – $54,510
5. North Dakota – $54,090

How Does Certification Affect Certified medical assistant Salaries?

In 2019, the average certified medical assistant salary was $33,610 per year, with a range of $29,960 to $39,480. The median wage was $33,610. Certified medical assistants (CMAs) typically need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may prefer or require postsecondary education. Certification is not required in all states, but it may be preferred or required by some employers.

What Other Factors Affect Certified Medical Assistant Salaries?

There are a number of other factors that can affect certified medical assistant salaries, including experience, geographic location, and the type of employer.

Experience: Certified medical assistants with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those who are just starting out. In general, medical assistants with 1-5 years of experience earn $13-$16 per hour, while those with 5-10 years of experience earn $14-$18 per hour. Those with 10-20 years of experience earn $15-$19 per hour, and those with more than 20 years of experience earn $16-$20 per hour.

Geographic location: Certified medical assistants in different parts of the country also tend to earn different salaries. On average, certified medical assistants in the Northeast earn $14-$17 per hour, those in the Midwest earn $13-$16 per hour, those in the South earn $12-$15 per hour, and those in the West earn $13-$17 per hour.

Type of employer: The type of employer can also affect certified medical assistant salaries. For example, certified medical assistants who work for hospitals tend to earn more than those who work for private practices or clinics.

In general, certified medical assistants with more experience, who work in certain parts of the country, and who work for certain types of employers tend to earn higher salaries than others.

What is the Job Outlook for Certified Medical Assistants?

The job outlook for certified medical assistants is positive, with a projected 19% growth in jobs from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging Baby Boomer population is expected to increase the demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by medical assistants. As a result, physicians will require more support from medical assistants.

Job prospects should be especially good for those who have completed formal education programs and are certified or registered medical assistants. However, because most states do not regulate the occupation, certification is voluntary and not required for employment. Certification may give jobseekers a competitive advantage when applying for positions.

The median annual salary for medical assistants was $33,610 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $48,720.

How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant

What does a certified medical assistant do?

A certified medical assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who provides basic patient care and performs administrative duties in a variety of healthcare settings. CMAs are an important part of the healthcare team and play a vital role in providing quality patient care.

What are the requirements to become a certified medical assistant?

To become a certified medical assistant, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program and pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam (CMAE). Most states also require CMAs to complete a state-approved certification or licensure process.

How much does a certified medical assistant make?

The average salary for a certified medical assistant is $32,480 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

The Bottom Line: What You Should Expect to Earn as a Certified Medical Assistant in 2019

Certified medical assistants are in high demand. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow by 23 percent from 2016 to 2026 — much faster than the average for all occupations.

With such high demand comes a pretty penny. So, if you’re considering a career as a certified medical assistant, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to earn. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn in 2019, based on experience and location.

Entry-level: $30,000-$33,000

Mid-level: $33,000-$37,000

Experienced: $37,000-$41,000

Senior-level: $41,000-$46,000

Location also plays a role in how much you can expect to earn as a certified medical assistant. For example, if you live in California or Massachusetts, you can expect to earn on the higher end of the spectrum because the cost of living is higher in these states.

FAQs: Certified Medical Assistant Salary in 2019

As of May 2019, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $49,540, while the bottom 10 percent made less than $24,710.

Here are some frequently asked questions about certified medical assistant salaries:

Q: How does certification affect medical assistant pay?
A: Generally speaking, certified medical assistants earn more than non-certified medical assistants. In May 2019, the median annual salary for certified medical assistants was $36,610, while the median annual salary for non-certified medical assistants was $32,490.

Q: How does experience affect medical assistant pay?
A: Generally speaking, medical assistants with more experience earn more than those with less experience. In May 2019, the median annual salary for medical assistants with 1 to 4 years of experience was $31,380, while the median annual salary for those with 5 to 9 years of experience was $35,760. Those with 10 to 19 years of experience had a median annual salary of $37,690. Finally, those with 20 or more years of experience had a median annual salary of $40,280.

Q: How does location affect medical assistant pay?
A: Medical assistant salaries vary depending on location. In May 2019, the highest-paying states formedical assistants were Alaska ($44,660), Massachusetts ($43,090), California ($42,780), Washington ($41,470), and Oregon ($39 520). The lowest-paying state was Mississippi ($29 280).