How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make Per Hour?

The median hourly wage for Medical assistants was $15.21 in May 2019, which means that half of Medical Assistants earned less than this and half earned more. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.62, while the top 10 percent earned more than $21.75.

The Role of a Medical Assistant

The medical assistant salary per hour is $15.24, or $31,710 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median wage for the bottom half of workers in this profession is $11.66 per hour, or $24,280 per year. The top half of earners make more than $19.21 per hour, or $39,970 per year.

Medical assistants are vital members of the healthcare team who provide patient care and perform administrative duties in doctor’s offices, clinics, and other medical facilities. They unite both clinical and clerical tasks to keep the office running smoothly. Although they are not required to have a formal education, most medical assistants have at least a high school diploma and complete a postsecondary medical assistant training program. Some states require certification for medical assistants.

The Education and Training Required to Become a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in this field will grow by 23 percent between 2016 and 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. With such rapid growth expected, now is a great time to consider a career as a medical assistant.

Becoming a medical assistant is a great option for those who want to enter the healthcare field quickly and do not have the time or money to pursue a four-year degree. Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary education program that lasted either less than one year or one to two years. These programs are available at many community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools. Some students also complete internships or externships as part of their training.

The education and training required to become a medical assistant vary by state, but most states require medical assistants to complete at least a postsecondary education program. Upon completion of their program, medical assistants must then pass an exam to earn their certification.

The Duties of a Medical Assistant

A medical assistant is a person who has completed an accredited medical assistant program and has passed a certification exam. Medical assistants work in outpatient facilities such as clinics and doctor’s offices. They perform administrative and clinical tasks. Their duties may include but are not limited to patient care, laboratory work, x-rays, clerical work, and billing.

The Work Schedule of a Medical Assistant

Most medical assistants work full time, although some work part time. They typically work in doctors’ offices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Many medical assistants have variable schedules and may work evening or weekend hours.

Medical assistants need to be able to work well under pressure, often handling several tasks at the same time. They must be organized and detail oriented and have excellent interpersonal skills to deal with patients who may be anxious or stressed about their visit.

The Salary of a Medical Assistant

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for medical assistants was $15.02 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.16, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $21.20. There is a great deal of variation in medical assistant salaries across the country, with some states paying much higher wages than others. For example, medical assistants in Alaska earned a median hourly wage of $20.74 in May 2019, while those in Louisiana earned a median wage of only $12.75.

The Benefits of Being a Medical Assistant

Medical assistants are in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the occupation is expected to grow by 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. And with an aging population and advances in medical technology, the job outlook for medical assistants is even better.

But what about pay? Medical assistants earn a median salary of $15.61 per hour, or $32,580 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s not bad, but it’s not great either. So why become a medical assistant?

For one thing, medical assistants can expect to see their pay increase over time. With experience, medical assistants can earn $19 or more per hour. And as the demand for medical assistants grows, so will salaries.

But money isn’t everything. Medical assistants also enjoy some great benefits, such as flexible hours, health insurance and paid vacation days. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees who want to further their education and become certified medical assistants.

If you’re considering a career as a medical assistant, be sure to weigh all the factors – not just salary – before making your decision.

The Career Outlook for Medical Assistants

Advances in technology have led to an increase in the demand for qualified medical assistants. In order to meet this demand, many health care facilities are now offering on-the-job training for medical assistants. However, those who complete an accredited medical assistant program will have the best career prospects.

Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and other health care professionals. They typically work in outpatient care centers, such as clinics and doctor’s offices.

The median hourly wage for medical assistants was $16.05 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.29, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $23.57.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Medical Assistant

There are pros and cons to being a medical assistant. The job can be very rewarding, but it also has its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the pay. Medical assistants make an average of $15 per hour, which is less than many other professions. However, medical assistants do have the potential to make more money if they specialize in a particular area or work in a high-paying region.

Medical Assistant Certification

In the United States, medical assistants make a median hourly wage of $15.42, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that half of medical assistants earn less than this amount and half earn more. The lowest 10 percent of workers in this occupation earn an hourly wage of $10.11 or less, while the highest 10 percent earn an hourly wage of $21.72 or more.

How Much Does a Medical Assistant Make Per Hour?