How Much Does a Medical Office Assistant Make?

The average medical office assistant salary is $33,610 per year. Pay for office assistants can range from $28,860 to $38,770 per year.

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Job Description

A medical office assistant is a versatile allied health professional who works alongside doctors and other medical staff in outpatient facilities such as clinics and physician’s offices. They are responsible for performing administrative and clinical tasks to keep the office running smoothly.

Most medical office assistants have at least a certificate or diploma from an accredited program, although some may have completed postsecondary education such as an Associate’s degree. In some cases, on-the-job training may be sufficient.

The duties of a medical office assistant can vary depending on the size and type of facility they work in, but may include greeting patients, scheduling appointments, handling billing and insurance paperwork, maintaining medical records and assisting with minor office procedures. They may also be responsible for more clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and administering basic first aid.

Due to the nature of their work, medical office assistants must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to remain calm under pressure. In most cases, they will be the first point of contact for patients coming into the office and will need to be able to handle inquiries in a professional and courteous manner. They should also be comfortable working with sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality at all times.

The median annual salary for medical office assistants was $33,610 in 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . However, salaries can range from $25,930 at the low end to $47,880 at the high end. Factors such as experience level, geographic location, employer type, and industry can all impact earnings potential.

Duties

Medical office assistants are responsible for a variety of tasks in medical offices and clinics. They may answer phones, schedule appointments, file paperwork, prepare patients for examinations, take medical histories and provide other support to patients and staff. Many medical office assistants have postsecondary education, although some may learn their duties through on-the-job training.

Qualifications

Education and qualifications
There are no formal educational requirements to become a medical office assistant, although most employers prefer to hire candidates who have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Many office assistants have completed a medical office assistant certificate or diploma program offered by a community college, vocational school, or online school. These programs usually take about one year to complete and include courses such as Medical Terminology office procedures, and computer applications. Some employers may also require medical office assistants to be certified by a professional organization such as the National Healthcare Association or the American Association of Medical assistants

Skills
In addition to having excellent administrative skills, medical office assistants must be able to effectively communicate with patients, doctors, and other health care professionals. They must also be detail oriented and able to handle confidential information in a discreet manner.

Salary

The average salary for a Medical Office Assistant is $15.24 per hour in the United States Entry level positions start at $10 per hour while more experienced workers can make up to $19.50 per hour.

Employment Outlook

There are several factors that affect MA pay, including geographic location, shift differentials, bonuses, and level of experience. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for MAs was $32,480 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $23,530, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $46,680.

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical office assistants is projected to grow 23 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and an emphasis on preventive care will lead to more demand for medical office assistants.

States with the Highest Employment Level

The states with the highest employment level for medical office assistants are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Metropolitan Areas with the Highest Employment Level

The metropolitan areas with the highest level of employment for medical office assistants are as follows:

-New York City, NY
-Los Angeles, CA
-Chicago, IL
-Houston, TX
-Phoenix, AZ

Top Paying States

The top paying state for medical office assistants is Alaska, where the average salary is $48,810 per year. Other high paying states include California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, where salaries range from $37,010 to $41,980 per year. The lowest paid medical office assistants are in Mississippi, where the average salary is $26,280 per year.

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas

In order to become a medical office assistant, you will need at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Although formal schooling is not required, some employers may prefer applicants who have completed a postsecondary medical office assistant program. Top pay for medical office assistants vary by metropolitan area, with the following areas being the highest paying:

–San Francisco Oakland-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division: $48,490 per year
-Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT: $45,610 per year
-Nassau County-Suffolk County, NY Metropolitan Division: $43,830 per year
-urban Honolulu, HI: $42,210 per year
-San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: $41,280 per year