What’s the Average Medical Assistant Salary in Illinois in 2020?

Medical assistants in Illinois make an average salary of $37,500 per year, or $18 per hour. This is slightly lower than the average salary for Medical assistants nationwide, which is $38,000 per year. However, salaries for Medical Assistants can vary depending on experience, location, and other factors.

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Job Description

Medical assistants are critical members of the healthcare team, providing diagnostic, clinical and administrative support to physicians. In Illinois, medical assistants earn a median hourly wage of $17.44, or $36,310 per year. Salaries range from $12.48 per hour, or $25,980 per year, for the bottom 10 percent of earners, to $24.81 per hour, or $51,560 per year, for the top 10 percent.

Most medical assistants in Illinois work in physicians’ offices, hospitals or outpatient care centers. The Chicago metropolitan area is home to the largest number of medical assistants in the state, followed by the Rockford area and the Peoria area.

Duties

Medical assistants in Illinois work alongside licensed medical professionals to provide administrative and clinical support. Their duties might include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling insurance paperwork, checking patients in and out, updating medical records drawing blood, and conducting basic physical exams.

In order to perform these duties, medical assistants in Illinois must complete a formal education program and earn certification from an accredited organization such as the National Healthcare Association or the American Association of Medical Assistants. Once they have earned their credential, they must renew it every few years by completing continuing education courses.

Qualifications

In order to become a certified medical assistant in the state of Illinois, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited medical assistant training program, and pass the certification exam administered by either the American Association of Medical Assistants or the American Medical Technologists.

Work Environment

Hospitals, physician offices, and other healthcare facilities are the primary work settings for medical assistants. ManyRecent job growth in the U.S. (2018-2028)* 17%Projected annual job openings due to growth and replacement needs (2018-2028)* 176,600 to work full time and some typically work evenings or weekends to cover shifts in 24-hour facilities or to handle emergencies. Some medical assistants travel with physicians on medical missions to provide care in underserved regions. Medical assistants held about 720,100 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of medical assistants were as follows:

Salary

Medical assistants in Illinois earn an average salary of $36,854 per year, or $17.69 per hour, which is lower than the national average salary for medical assistants of $39,299 per year, or $18.87 per hour. There is a wide range in medical assistant salaries in Illinois, however, with the lowest 10 percent earning an average salary of $27,860 per year, or $13.40 per hour, and the highest 10 percent earning an average salary of $48,270 per year, or $23.19 per hour.

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of medical assistants will grow much faster than average from 2019 to 2029. A combination of an aging population and increased access to care will spur demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by medical assistants. In addition, as physicians expand their practices to include more patients, they will hire additional medical assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.

Education

Medical assistant education typically consists of a one-year certificate or diploma program at a community college, technical school, or vocational school. Some medical assistants get on-the-job training, which typically lasts about four to five weeks. Someeps may complete an externship as part of their training.

Certification

If you want to become a medical assistant in Illinois, there are a few steps you will need to take. One of the most important is getting certified by a recognized organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in your career.

Once you have your certification, you will be able to start looking for jobs. The average medical assistant salary in Illinois is $33,590 per year, which is lower than the national average of $36,540. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.

Advancement Opportunities

Medical assistants in Illinois can find advancement opportunities by completing a postsecondary education program and/or by taking on additional responsibilities within their current positions. With experience, medical assistants may assume roles such as office manager, lead medical assistant, or clinical specialist. Some may also choose to open their own medical assisting practices.

Key Skills

In order to be a successful medical assistant, there are a few key skills that you will need to have. First and foremost, you must have excellent communication skills. You will be the one communicating between the doctor and the patient, so it is essential that you are able to relay information clearly and effectively. You must also be highly organized and detail-oriented, as you will be responsible for keeping track of patients’ Medical records and scheduling appointments. Finally, it is important to have a caring personality, as you will be dealing with patients who may be experiencing anxiety or pain. If you have these key skills, then you are well on your way to becoming a successful medical assistant!