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 Career School

    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.

  • Everest College

    Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

  • Everest Institute

    Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

  • Concorde Career College

    With over 15 years of experience in preparing adults for rewarding careers, Concorde is a recognized leader in training Healthcare Professionals. We offer short, manageable programs with day and evening classes to fit your busy schedule.

  • 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.

  • Carrington College

    Carrington College®, a recognized leader in private education, opened in 1976 and currently provides practical, real-world education to more than 4,000 students annually. Carrington College® offers small classes with hands-on learning taught by experienced faculty.

  • Kaplan College

    A college education is important in today’s workforce. Kaplan College gives you the right mix of professional experience and classroom instruction in our accelerated programs to help you succeed in your new career!

    Kaplan College can help you train for a new career with diploma programs ranging in just a few months.. Take advantage of all the benefits Kaplan College offers today!

    Kaplan College is pleased to offer discounts on tuition for qualifying active military personnel, veterans and military spouses. Please ask for more information on these discount opportunities.

    Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.

  • Carrington College California

    Now you can earn your associate degree and can get started in the career field you’ve always dreamed of more conveniently than ever by attending the online Campus of Carrington College California. Considered a leader in education, Carrington College California has a long history of helping students succeed in real world careers.

  • Heald College

    Heald College provides hands-on educational programs that can help students prepare for careers in healthcare, business, legal and technology. Heald takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Heald provides career services assistance for life. We help locate employment opportunities anytime throughout our graduates’ careers. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. High school diploma or GED required.

  • Porter and Chester Institute

    Get the Career Training you need in as little as 9 Months! Looking for a new career but traditional college isn’t your thing? We understand. That’s why Porter and Chester Institute provides you with the hands-on training to prepare you for the career you deserve.