How Much Can You Earn as a Medical Assistant?
Contents
- How much do Medical assistants make in different settings?
- How does experience affect medical assistant earnings?
- What are the highest-paying industries for medical assistants?
- What are the highest-paying states for medical assistants?
- What are the top-paying metropolitan areas for medical assistants?
- What are the top-paying nonmetropolitan areas for medical assistants?
- What are the career prospects for medical assistants?
- How can medical assistants increase their earnings?
- What are the benefits of becoming a medical assistant?
- What are the drawbacks of becoming a medical assistant?
Considering a career in medical assisting? Here’s what you can expect to earn in this rewarding profession.
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How much do Medical assistants make in different settings?
Medical Assistants are among the fastest growing occupations in the United States according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. And, with a median salary of more than $30,000 a year, they’re not bad earners either.
But how much you can earn as a medical assistant depends on several factors, including your employer, your geographic location and your experience.
In general, medical assistants who work in hospitals and large medical practices earn the most, followed by those who work in smaller medical offices and clinics. Geographic location is also a factor — medical assistants in New York City and San Francisco earn significantly more than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
And finally, experience matters. Medical assistants with one to five years of experience earn an average of $29,000 a year, while those with five to ten years of experience earn an average of $32,000 a year. The most experienced medical assistants — those with more than ten years on the job — earn an average of $35,000 a year.
How does experience affect medical assistant earnings?
medical assistant earnings are affected by experience, with those who have more experience tending to earn more. However, other factors, such as location and employer type, also play a role in earnings.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants was $34,800 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,280, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49,540.
Experience is one of the biggest factors affecting medical assistant earnings. Those who have been working in the field for longer tend to earn more than those who are just starting out. Other factors that can affect earnings include location and employer type.
For example, medical assistants who work in doctors’ offices tend to earn slightly less than those who work in hospitals or other medical facilities. And medical assistants who work in urban areas tend to earn more than those who work in rural areas.
So, how much can you expect to earn as a medical assistant? It depends on a number of factors, including your experience level and where you work. But with experience and a good location, you could potentially earn a very good salary as a medical assistant.
What are the highest-paying industries for medical assistants?
The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, and medical assistants are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 in 2018.1
There are many factors that can affect earnings, including experience, location, and industry. The highest-paying industries for medical assistants include:
-Outpatient care centers: $38,700
-Offices of physicians: $37,690
-Hospitals: $36,750
-Local government: $36,470
-Ambulatory healthcare services: $35,280
What are the highest-paying states for medical assistants?
The demand for medical assistants is on the rise, and so are their salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for medical assistants in 2018 was $33,610 per year, or $16.17 per hour. That’s a pretty hefty sum, but it’s not the highest you can earn as a medical assistant. Here are the five states where medical assistants earn the most money.
Alaska: $44,810 per year
California: $42,470 per year
Massachusetts: $41,470 per year
Oregon: $39,010 per year
Washington: $38,780 per year
What are the top-paying metropolitan areas for medical assistants?
The top-paying metropolitan areas for medical assistants, as of May 2013, were as follows:
-San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, CA: $37,650
-Salinas, CA: $36,860
-Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: $36,040
-Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA Metropolitan Division: $35,750
-Vallejo-Fairfield, CA: $34,950
What are the top-paying nonmetropolitan areas for medical assistants?
The top-paying nonmetropolitan area for medical assistants as of May 2013 was the Kwajalein-Bikini-Enewetak area in the Marshall Islands, where they earned an average wage of $37.74 per hour, or $78,410 per year. This was followed by La Crosse, Wisconsin, where medical assistants averaged $24.93 per hour, or $51,800 per year. Other high-paying nonmetropolitan areas included Fairbanks, Alaska; Sebastopol, California; and Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, Hawaii.
What are the career prospects for medical assistants?
Despite the large number of medical assistants who are currently employed in the United States, the career prospects for this occupation are considered to be very good. This is due to a number of factors, including the aging of the population and the increasing demand for healthcare services. In addition, many medical assistants are expected to retire over the next decade, which will create even more job openings.
How can medical assistants increase their earnings?
There are a number of ways that medical assistants can increase their earnings. One way is to get certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Those who are certified earn a median salary that is $4,000 higher than those who are not certified, according to the AAMA.
Medical assistants can also increase their earnings by pursuing higher levels of education. Those with associate’s degrees earn a median salary that is $5,000 higher than those with just a high school diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And those with bachelor’s degrees earn a median salary that is $6,000 higher than those with associate’s degrees.
Finally, medical assistants can increase their earnings by working in certain settings. For example, those who work in hospitals have a median salary that is $7,000 higher than those who work in outpatient care centers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the benefits of becoming a medical assistant?
There are many benefits to becoming a medical assistant. Medical assistants are in high demand, and the job outlook is excellent. They can earn a good salary, and they often have great benefits.
Medical assistants perform a variety of tasks, including taking patient medical histories, scheduling appointments, and supporting doctors during procedures. They may also work in laboratories, perform administrative duties, or assist with patient care in hospitals and clinics.
Medical assistants must be organized and detail-oriented. They must be able to multitask and handle a high volume of work with efficiency. Good communication skills are essential, as medical assistants often act as a liaison between patients and doctors.
What are the drawbacks of becoming a medical assistant?
Though becoming a medical assistant can lead to a stable and well-paying career, there are some drawbacks to this profession that potential students should be aware of.