How much do administrative medical assistants make?
The salary of administrative medical assistants varies depending on several factors, including location, experience, qualifications, and the type of medical facility or organization they work for. It's important to note that salary ranges can be broad, and figures can change over time. Here are some general salary estimates for administrative medical assistants in the United States:
- Average Salary: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for administrative medical assistants in May 2020 was $38,270. This means that half of administrative medical assistants earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less.
- Location: The location where an administrative medical assistant works can significantly impact their salary. Larger cities and urban areas often offer higher salaries compared to rural or smaller cities. For example, the BLS reported that the highest-paying metropolitan areas for administrative medical assistants in May 2020 were San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA; San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA; and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
- Experience: Administrative medical assistants with more experience and specialized skills may earn higher salaries. The BLS notes that the most experienced 10% of administrative medical assistants earned a median annual wage of $58,130, while the least experienced 10% earned a median wage of $26,510.
- Qualifications and Certifications: Administrative medical assistants with higher education and specialized certifications may also command higher salaries. Some relevant educational qualifications include associate degrees in medical assisting or healthcare administration. Certifications, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), can further enhance earning potential.
- Type of Medical Facility or Organization: The type of medical facility or organization an administrative medical assistant works for can also influence their salary. For instance, hospitals, clinics, and medical practices may have varying salary structures and compensation practices. Certain specialty areas, such as cardiology or oncology, may offer higher pay grades compared to general medical practices.
It's worth noting that salary ranges for administrative medical assistants can fluctuate based on supply and demand, job responsibilities, and market factors. Additionally, the salaries mentioned here are for the United States, and the compensation for administrative medical assistants in other countries may vary significantly.