Medical Assistant Salary

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. 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 Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals have the highest salaries, with an average of $39,220. Medical assistants employed by Other Ambulatory Health Care Services earn an average of $28,730.

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.

Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.

Top Medical Assistant Schools

  • Penn Foster

    Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.

    Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.

  • Vista College El Paso

    Vista College offers numerous programs in Business, Healthcare and Technology that will give you a much needed edge when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your existing career. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista College prepares you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in an exciting career.

  • Vista College Longview

    Vista College offers numerous programs in Business, Healthcare and Technology that will give you a much needed edge when looking for a new career or seeking to move up in your existing career. The focused instruction and hands-on training offered at Vista College prepares you for the day-to-day challenges you’ll face in an exciting career.

  • Career Training Academy

    Career Training Academy is an institution of specialized learning that leads to fulfilling high skilled jobs. As a direct result of the education and training at our school, you can expect to enter a new career that provides a better salary and greater benefits! Our mission for the Academy is to provide the educational environment that enhances not only the educational aspect but also a personal enrichment of all students via our involvement in community service. Providing instructors who care, hands-on training and a career oriented educational environment is our philosophy at Career Training Academy.

  • Anthem College

    Anthem College delivers accredited, career-focused diplomas and degrees in a wide variety of fields to help you meet the challenges of these fast growing and ever changing industries.

    At Anthem College, you will find professionals ready to support your quest for a successful career. Anthem College offers programs to students who are entering the workforce for the first time as well as those who are looking to expand their existing career skills.

  • Blue Cliff College

    Blue Cliff College is committed to using its human and physical resources to provide services facilitating personal growth, professional development and a sense of responsibility to our students.

    The primary purpose of Blue Cliff College is to help students develop a high level of competency, which is accomplished through the pursuit, assimilation, and dissemination of knowledge in academic programs.

  • Heritage College

    Every Heritage school (Heritage Institute & Heritage College) helps real people build real careers. Our schools offer programs and degrees for a career as an X-Ray Medical Technician®, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapist, Esthetician, Surgical Technologist, Personal Trainer, Pharmacy Technician, or Cosmetologist. Please note that all programs may not be offered at all schools.

  • Akron Institute of Herzing University

    With a wide variety of career programs including Technology, Business, Healthcare, Design, and Public Safety, Herzing University has helped students pursue rewarding careers for more than 40 years. Akron Institute students benefit from hands-on preparation that helps them stand out to potential employers. Akron Institute is conveniently located at 1600 South Arlington in the heart of Akron.

  • Ultimate Medical Academy

    Train for your new career today! Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) provides you the hands-on education and credentials you need to start a career in the fast-growing health care industry. We have two convenient campuses in Clearwater and Tampa, Florida and our sole focus is helping you succeed as an Allied Health Care professional.

  • American Career College

    American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California. ACC“s programs combine classroom lectures and hands-on training to prepare students for a Diploma or Associate of Occupational Science degree. All ACC programs include access to trained faculty, a full student services department committed to helping students succeed, and career guidance and services after graduation. ACC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools; some programs also hold programmatic accreditation or approvals.

    Programs vary by campus. Program lengths vary by session and schedule. Financial aid available to those who qualify. ACC cannot guarantee employment. American Career College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.