Are you considering a career as a medical office assistant and wondering how much you can earn? You’re in the right place!
This guide explores medical office assistant salary expectations, factors influencing wages, and how you could maximize your earning potential in this stable and rewarding field.
Lastly, we’ll discuss how you could start this career faster without driving to a medical school, without any student debt, from the comfort of your home.
Let’s dive in!
Average Salary of a Medical Office Assistant
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for a medical office assistant is approximately $43,372 per year, which translates to over $20 per hour. This makes medical office administration a well-paying and stable career with good growth prospects.
However, this figure represents a median salary, meaning that half of medical office assistants earn less, while the other half earn more. Several key factors influence how much you can make in this profession. We’ll explore them later.
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary Per Hour
You might also be interested in knowing the hourly pay of a Medical Administrative Assistant. So, if you get an opportunity to get paid hourly, these are the numbers you could expect.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 data, the mean hourly wage for Medical Administrative Assistants is $20.85 per hour.
However, the top earners in this field make around $28.05 per hour, while most Medical Administrative Assistants earn approximately $17.57 per hour.
Entry-Level Medical Administrative Assistant Salary
As an entry-level Medical Administrative Assistant, you shouldn’t worry too much about salary. Instead, focus on gaining hands-on experience and building a strong resume. The more skills and experience you gain, the better your earning potential in the long run.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 data, those in entry-level positions can typically earn around $31,900 per year, with an hourly wage of approximately $15.34.
However, by any means, this is not a bad salary while starting out, knowing it is all set to grow as you learn and gain experience.
Top Paying Industries for Medical Administrative Assistants
Medical Administrative Assistants can work in various settings like hospitals, private medical practices, specialty clinics like dermatology or cardiology, outpatient care centers, insurance companies, nursing homes, and so on.
As per BLS, here is the industry-wise average annual salary data for Medical Administrative Assistants:
Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals
Yearly Salary -> $48,710
Hourly Pay -> $23.42
Legal Services
Yearly Salary -> $48,600
Hourly Pay -> $23.37
Outpatient Care Centers
Yearly Salary -> $46,930
Hourly Pay -> $22.56
Offices of Dentists
Yearly Salary -> $46,500
Hourly Pay -> $22.36
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
Yearly Salary -> $44,840
Hourly Pay -> $21.56
Offices of Physicians
Yearly Salary -> $41,440
Hourly Pay -> $19.92
Highest Paying Cities for Medical Administrative Assistants
The earning potential for Medical Administrative Assistants varies significantly across the states.
Here are the top 5 states that offer them the highest compensation:
California
Yearly Salary -> $51,830
Hourly Pay -> $24.92
New York
Yearly Salary -> $47,170
Hourly Pay -> $22.68
Florida
Yearly Salary -> $40,140
Hourly Pay -> $19.30
North Carolina
Yearly Salary -> $40,100
Hourly Pay -> $19.28
Texas
Yearly Salary -> $39,760
Hourly Pay -> $19.11
Factors That Influence a Medical Office Assistant’s Salary
Many factors determine your earning potential as a Medical Administrative Assistant. Employers look for candidates with the right credentials that could significantly impact your salary.
Let’s take a closer look at the key factors:
1. Level of Experience
Like most careers, experience plays a crucial role in determining salary. When starting as an entry-level medical office assistant, you can expect to earn close to $20 per hour. However, as you gain experience and develop specialized skills, your earning potential increases significantly.
The top 10% of medical office assistants in the U.S. earn more than $58,000 per year, which equates to over $28 per hour. This increase is due to improved efficiency, a better understanding of medical administrative tasks, and the ability to take on more responsibilities within a healthcare setting.
2. Certification and Credentials
Holding a medical office assistant certification can significantly impact your salary. One of the most recognized credentials in the field is the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) certification. Many healthcare employers prefer or even require certification for higher-paying positions.
Having a CMAA or a similar credential demonstrates your proficiency in medical administration, making you a more attractive candidate. Certified professionals often earn higher wages compared to those without certification, as employers are willing to pay more for qualified individuals who require less on-the-job training.
3. Geographical Location
Your location plays a vital role in determining your salary. Wages vary from state to state due to differences in the cost of living, demand for medical office assistants, and regional economic conditions.
For example:
- In California, the median annual wage for medical office assistants is around $52,000.
- In North Carolina, the median wage is lower, averaging around $40,000 per year.
Although moving to a state with a higher salary might seem appealing, it’s essential to consider factors like cost of living, housing, taxes, and job demand. While California offers higher wages, living expenses such as rent and food are also significantly higher compared to lower-paying states.
4. Type of Healthcare Facility
The type of work setting you choose can also influence your salary. Medical office assistants work in various healthcare environments, including hospitals, private clinics, and specialty practices. The pay varies depending on the work setting:
- Hospitals: Typically offer higher salaries due to the complexity and fast-paced nature of hospital administration.
- Private practices: May pay slightly less but often provide a more predictable work schedule.
- Specialty clinics: Some specialty medical offices (e.g., dermatology, cardiology) may offer higher wages, particularly if you have experience in that medical specialty.
Choosing the right work environment can significantly impact your overall earning potential and job satisfaction.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Medical Office Assistant?
If you’re looking to maximize your earnings in this field, here are some tips to help you achieve a higher salary:
- Gain Experience – The more time you spend working in the field, the more valuable you become. Seek opportunities to take on additional responsibilities to boost your earning potential.
- Earn Certification – Obtaining a certification like CMAA can make you more competitive in the job market and qualify you for higher-paying positions.
- Specialize – Working in specialty clinics (e.g., orthopedics, pediatrics) can often result in better pay compared to general medical offices.
- Consider Relocation – If you live in a low-paying region, relocating to a state with higher wages (while considering the cost of living) may be a good option.
- Negotiate Your Salary – Many professionals accept their first salary offer without negotiation. If you have experience or certification, don’t hesitate to discuss a higher starting wage.
How to Start Your Medical Administrative Assistant Career Faster?
If you’re considering a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant, you must be wondering how to get started as quickly as possible.
There are several ways to become a Medical Administrative Assistant—some people start by gaining experience on the job, while others enroll in degree or certificate programs.
But if you’re looking for a faster and more affordable way, online courses could be the perfect solution to help you start this career in as little as a few months.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1 -> Get Your Formal Training
One of the best ways to fast-track your career is by enrolling in a Medical Administrative Assistant training program. Traditional degree programs can be expensive and take years to complete. They also come with student debt, making them less ideal for those who want to start working sooner.
Instead, online courses offer a more flexible and cost-effective path. They are affordable, convenient, and self-paced, so you can study from home while preparing for a real-world job.
One such standout program is Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Administrative Assistant Training Program, which checks all the boxes.
With Preppy, you get everything you need to start your career faster:
- The program is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own speed without having to attend a physical campus.
- The tuition is only $1,599, making it one of the most affordable options compared to traditional programs.
- Plus, you can complete it in as little as 4 months, unlike college programs that take two years or more.
- After completing the training, you also receive a university certificate from Auburn University, adding credibility to your resume.
- The program includes an externship opportunity, so you get hands-on experience before applying for jobs.
- And since the curriculum aligns with CMAA certification standards, you could become ready for the CMAA exam by NHA.
So, by choosing a self-paced online training program like Preppy, you could start your career faster, without the hassles of traditional schooling.
Step 2 -> Complete The Coursework
Enrolling in a training program is just the first step—completing the coursework is what truly sets you apart. Many people start but never finish, whether it’s due to time constraints, lack of motivation, or other commitments.
This is a major issue in traditional college settings, where many students drop out before earning their certificate or degree.
However, if you stay committed and study at your own pace, completing your coursework will be incredibly rewarding. Employers value formal training. According to NHA data, 59% of employers actively seek candidates with formal education.
So, unlike other online courses, with Preppy, after completion of coursework, you get a university certificate from the well-respected, non-profit institution, Auburn University.
This should motivate you to finish the program. Moreover, having this on your resume boosts your credibility and sets you apart from the rest.
Step 3 -> Prepare and Get CMAA Certified
Earning a certification is one of the most effective ways to stand out in the competitive job market. While formal training equips you with essential skills, certification validates your knowledge and proves to employers that you meet industry standards.
This is why obtaining the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential, offered by the NHA, can significantly enhance your career prospects.
In fact, 75% of employers prioritize hiring candidates who are certified, according to NHA data. This means that without certification, your resume may not even make it past the initial screening process.
Step 4 -> Gain Experience Through an Externship
Beyond certification, gaining real-world experience through an externship can make a big difference. Employers prefer candidates who have worked in a healthcare setting before.
This is why Preppy’s program includes an externship opportunity. With it you get to apply what you’ve learned in an actual medical office, build confidence, and gain experience that will strengthen your resume. Many students find that an externship makes them more prepared for their first job.
Step 5 -> Start Looking for Job Opportunities
After completing your training, getting certified, and gaining experience through an externship, you’ll be ready to start your job search.
Look for entry-level Medical Administrative Assistant roles at hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare facilities.
Optimize your resume by highlighting your formal training, certification, and externship experience.
Use job boards, networking, and healthcare staffing agencies to find openings faster.
Since medical administrative assistants are in high demand, you can land a job quickly, especially with the right credentials and experience.
In Conclusion
Understanding salary expectations is crucial before stepping into any career, and as we’ve discussed, Medical Administrative Assistants enjoy stable demand and competitive pay.
While salaries vary based on various factors, obtaining formal training, earning certification, and gaining hands-on experience can significantly boost your earning potential.
Lastly, if you’re looking to start your career faster, the good news is that you don’t need to spend years in school or take on student debt.
With the right online training program, like Preppy’s, you could become job-ready in as little as 4 months, all from the comfort of your home.
Also read: Medical Office Assistant Program – Watch This Before Enrolling
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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