How much does a Medical Assistant make?
Medical Assistants earn a good living. They typically make between $30,000 and $64,360 each year. Most earn around $43,468 a year. Experience and location can affect salary. Those with more experience or in areas with higher living costs may earn more.
Medical Assistants can advance in their careers. They might take on more responsibilities or specialize in a field. This often leads to higher pay. Some Medical Assistants earn bonuses based on performance. They might also receive benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
What are the highest paying cities for a Medical Assistant?
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $61,925
In San Francisco, professionals find opportunities in busy clinics and hospitals. Notable employers include UCSF Health and Kaiser Permanente. The city's diverse patient population offers varied experiences.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $59,705
Seattle offers a strong healthcare sector with jobs at major institutions like Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason. The city’s tech-savvy environment provides a dynamic work setting.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $57,885
Santa Rosa provides a peaceful work environment with opportunities at local clinics and healthcare facilities. Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente are prominent employers in the area.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $54,761
San Jose’s growing tech industry influences its healthcare sector. Positions are available at Stanford Health Care and regional clinics. The city offers a balanced lifestyle with many amenities nearby.
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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $53,908
Vallejo boasts a strong community spirit with job openings at facilities like Kaiser Permanente and local clinics. The area’s rich history adds to the unique work experience.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $52,230
Sacramento features a blend of urban and suburban work settings. Employers like Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health provide numerous opportunities. The city's central location offers easy access to various attractions.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $51,146
Portland offers a progressive atmosphere with jobs at Providence Health & Services and local clinics. The city’s commitment to wellness aligns well with healthcare roles.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $50,406
San Diego provides a vibrant work environment with positions at Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente. The city’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities enhance the quality of life.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $50,391
Minneapolis features a robust healthcare system with opportunities at Allina Health and local clinics. The city’s extensive park system and cultural events enrich the work experience.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $50,182
Spokane offers a close-knit community with jobs at Providence Health & Services and local practices. The city’s natural beauty and outdoor opportunities provide a refreshing backdrop to work.
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What are the best companies a Medical Assistant can work for?
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El Camino Health
Average Salary: $81,756
El Camino Health offers rewarding Medical Assistant jobs with a focus on patient care. This organization operates in the Bay Area, providing medical services at multiple locations, including Mountain View and Los Gatos.
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John Muir Health
Average Salary: $73,720
At John Muir Health, Medical Assistants play a crucial role in patient care. This company serves the East Bay region, with facilities in Walnut Creek, Concord, and Pleasant Hill.
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North East Medical Services
Average Salary: $73,527
North East Medical Services provides excellent opportunities for Medical Assistants, focusing on high-quality patient care. The company operates in several locations in San Francisco and the surrounding areas.
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Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Average Salary: $71,510
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers a supportive environment for Medical Assistants, specializing in cancer treatment. It is located in Seattle and serves patients across the Pacific Northwest.
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University of California - San Francisco
Average Salary: $68,849
The University of California - San Francisco provides diverse opportunities for Medical Assistants, focusing on both patient care and research. The institution operates in San Francisco.
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Alameda Health System
Average Salary: $68,765
Alameda Health System offers Medical Assistant positions with a focus on community health. This organization operates several facilities in Alameda County, including Oakland and San Leandro.
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University Of Washington
Average Salary: $67,469
The University Of Washington offers Medical Assistant jobs with a strong emphasis on patient care and education. It operates in Seattle and provides services across the state of Washington.
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Sutter Health
Average Salary: $66,993
Sutter Health provides rewarding Medical Assistant roles, focusing on comprehensive patient care. It operates in Northern California, including the Bay Area and Sacramento.
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WhidbeyHealth Medical Center
Average Salary: $66,824
WhidbeyHealth Medical Center offers Medical Assistant positions with a focus on community health and patient care. It serves the Whidbey Island area and surrounding regions.
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Overlake Medical Center and Clinics
Average Salary: $66,478
Overlake Medical Center and Clinics provides opportunities for Medical Assistants, emphasizing patient care and support. It operates in Bellevue and the surrounding areas in Washington.
How to earn more as a Medical Assistant?
Becoming a Medical Assistant can be a rewarding career, but earning more in this role requires effort and strategy. By focusing on certain factors, job seekers can enhance their earning potential. Building relevant skills and gaining certifications can make a significant difference. These steps can lead to higher-paying positions and better job opportunities.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Medical Assistant:
- Obtain Additional Certifications: Earning certifications beyond the basic Medical Assistant qualification can open up higher-paying jobs. Certifications such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) are highly valued. These credentials demonstrate a higher level of competence and can lead to better salary opportunities.
- Gain Experience in Specialized Areas: Working in specialized areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or dermatology can increase earning potential. Specialization often requires additional training, but it can lead to higher-paying positions. Employers value specialized skills and are often willing to pay a premium for them.
- Pursue Advanced Education: Taking courses to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) can lead to higher pay. These roles require more education but offer significantly higher salaries. Investing in advanced education can pay off in the long run.
- Seek Opportunities in High-Demand Locations: Working in areas with a high demand for healthcare services can lead to higher wages. Urban areas or regions with fewer healthcare providers often offer better pay. Being willing to relocate or work in underserved areas can increase earning potential.
- Network and Build Professional Relationships: Building a strong professional network can lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with others in the field can open doors to better positions. Strong relationships can lead to job referrals and insider information about higher-paying jobs.
