The average salary of a medical assistant depends on their level of experience, skill set, amount of formal education, and location. A medical assistant with 20 years of relevant work experience in a large urban hospital can expect to earn more than an entry-level assistant at a local physician’s office. The good news is that it the earning power of a medical assistant is higher than ever before and compensation is excellent even at the lowest levels. Due to the rapid expansion of the health care industry in order to meet the needs of an aging population, the demand for qualified assistants has grown massively. All medical assistants now have the potential to reach the highest level of compensation with a combination of work experience, education, and certification.

Education

A main factor in determining compensation for a medical assistant is education. Though it is possible to become employed as a medical assistant with little more than a high school diploma, earning a certificate or completing an associate of science degree will raise your earning potential considerably. Entry-level medical assistants without any formal education earn between $18,000 and $24,000 in their first position. By amassing work experience, it is possible to raise the amount of over $30,000. However, entry-level assistants with formal degrees, diplomas, certificates, and other training have the potential to earn $34,000 to $48,000, depending on their place of employment. It is also more likely that medical assistants with more education or training will be considered the most viable candidates for management positions. Investing in even a basic level of education is a great way to ensure a higher overall salary throughout your career as a medical assistant.

Workplace and Work Experience

Work experience, along with area of specialization, is another key factor in a medical assistant’s salary. The majority of medical assistants are employed by private physicians, although assistants can also find employment in a large number of health care settings, such as community clinics and hospitals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants employed by general and surgical hospitals have the highest salaries, with an average of $30,000. Medical assistants employed by colleges, universities, professional schools, private physicians, and out-patient centers and other schools earn an average of $28,000.

The duties performed by the medical assistant are also important when considering salary qualifications. In general, medical assistant will carry out a combination of administrative, clerical, and clinical tasks. The extent and difficulty of these tasks is determined by the work environment. A medical assistant working in a specific department within a hospital may be charged with a few specific duties, while a medical assistant in an out-patient center might be responsible for overseeing all administrative tasks. As their level of experience and education increases, a medical assistant can undertake more difficult tasks and earn a higher salary. Medical assistants have the potential to earn over $40,000 a year at the top of their field.