What is the Salary for a Medical Assistant?

If you’re interested in a career as a medical assistant, you may be wondering what kind of salary to expect. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including location, experience, and certification. Below, we explore key influences on medical assistant salaries.

Job Outlook for Medical Assistants

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field of medical assisting is expanding rapidly. While the average growth rate for most occupations is projected at 7%, medical assistants can expect growth of 16% from 2021 to 2031. This demand is driven by factors like an aging population and increased access to healthcare services.

Location Impacts Medical Assistant Salaries

Salaries vary significantly by state and city. According to the BLS, as of May 2023, the national median wage for medical assistants is $38,270 per year. However, certain states and cities pay higher than the national average. For instance, medical assistants in San Jose, CA, earn an average annual salary of $53,090, while those in states like West Virginia earn closer to $31,270. Factors such as cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals also play a role in these differences.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Work

Since medical assistants typically earn hourly wages, those working full-time generally earn more annually compared to part-time workers. Part-time positions, while offering flexibility, often do not include benefits like paid time off or health insurance. If maximizing earning potential and accessing benefits is important to you, full-time work may be the better option.

Certification and Its Impact on Salary

While certification is not required in every state, becoming certified through and organization like the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can increase your opportunities. However, certain states and cities pay higher or lower than the national average.

Work Setting and Salary

The work setting can also influence pay. According to the BLS, medical assistants in outpatient care centers earn more, with a median annual wage of $39,020, compared to those working in physicians' offices, who earn around $38,090.

Summary of Medical Assistant Salaries

Medical assistants earn a national median wage of $38,270 annually, though salaries can vary depending on factors like location, work setting, experience, and certification.

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DISCLAIMER – ECPI University does not guarantee employment or specific salary outcomes. The information provided is for general reference based on national data and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Data presented is for all persons working in this field and does not reflect starting salaries.

Sources:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assistants: Occupational Outlook Handbook, September 2022

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: Medical Assistants

American Association of Medical Assistants, Why Become Certified?

Gainful Employment Information – Medical Assisting – Associate’s