How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make in Seattle?

How much does a medical assistant make in Seattle? It depends on a number of factors, including experience, training, and the type of employer. Here’s a look at average medical assistant salaries in Seattle, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Job Description

A medical assistant is an allied health professional that supports the work of physicians and other health professionals, usually in outpatient clinics, by performing a variety of administrative and clinical tasks.

Medical assistants greatly improve the efficiency of health care providers by performing routine tasks and keeping the practice organized. In return, they are rewarded with good wages and job security. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Medical assistants was $33,610 in 2016, with the top 10 percent earning more than $47,280.

In Seattle, the average hourly wage for Medical Assistants is $19.81, which is slightly below the national average of $19.95. However, medical assistants in Seattle enjoy a higher cost of living adjustment (COLA) than those in other parts of the country. The COLA for Seattle is 16.4 percent, which means that medical assistants in Seattle earn an average hourly wage of $23.10 when cost of living is taken into account.

Duties

Medical assistants perform a variety of duties to support the work of physicians and other health care workers. They may take medical histories, assist with examinations, prepare patients for procedures, and collect and process lab specimens. Medical assistants also record patients’ medical histories, vital statistics, and information such as test results in electronic health records. In addition, they schedule appointments and help with billing and insurance paperwork.

Education

The education requirements for medical assistants vary by state. In some states, medical assistants may be certified by completing a short vocational training program. In other states, certification may not be required but completed training programs are available. Medical assistants usually have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and must complete a brief period of on-the-job training.

Certification

There are three general types of certification for medical assistants. The first is voluntary certification, which is not required but may make you more attractive to potential employers. The second type is state-specific certification, which is required in some states but not others. The third type is certification through the National Healthcare Association, which is recognized in all 50 states.

Medical assistants in Seattle who are certified earn a median wage of $17.27 per hour, which is significantly higher than the median wage for non-certified medical assistants of $15.14 per hour. In addition, certified medical assistants are more likely to be offered health insurance and other benefits from their employers.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2018 the average medical assistant salary in Seattle is $38,560 per year, or $18.53 per hour. Keep in mind that salaries for medical assistants can vary widely based on experience, skill level, education, and other factors.

Employment Outlook

The medical assistant profession is expected to grow much faster than average in the coming years. In Seattle, the average salary for a medical assistant is $41,530 per year. The median salary is $39,340 per year.

Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for medical assistants in Seattle is expected to be much higher than the national average through 2026. In fact, the number of jobs is expected to grow by 34.4 percent during that time period.

Pros and Cons

Seattle, WA is a great place to be a Medical Assistant! The cost of living is high, but so are salaries for this in-demand occupation. Here are some pros and cons of being a Medical Assistant in Seattle:

Pros:
-High salaries
-Lots of job opportunities
-Good benefits

Cons:
-High cost of living
-Competition for jobs

What to Expect

As of May 2020, the average medical assistant salary in Seattle was $56,852 per year, or $27.27 per hour. The salary range for medical assistants in Seattle ran from $46,656 to $68,752 per year. This range represents a difference of $22,096 between the lowest and highest reported salaries.

Advancement Opportunities

While most medical assistants start out in entry-level positions, there are plenty of opportunities for advancement. Those who are looking to move up within the field may want to consider pursuing a medical assistant certification or degree, which can open the door to higher-paying positions. With experience, medical assistants may also be able to take on additional responsibilities, such as managing medical records or overseeing a team of other medical assistants.