Salary for Medical Assistant Jobs

Medical Assistant Salary and Job Description

Medical assistants are employed in numerous health care settings, including private practices, community health clinics and hospitals. A Medical Assistant Job Description varies depending on employment setting, but responsibilities usually involve a combination of clerical and clinical tasks. Medical assistants work closely with patients, often taking vital signs, recording medical histories and performing other basic medical tasks. Performing administrative duties and supporting the members of a health care team may also be part of a medical assistant's role. There is no question that medical assistants play a crucial part in keeping a medical office running smoothly and providing quality health care. When it comes to Medical Assistant Salaries, factors such as experience level, location, and employment setting are all influential.

What is the Annual Salary for a Medical Assistant?

Medical assistant salaries are typically lower than Physician Assistant Salaries. This is due to the higher level of training and certification needed to become a physician assistant as well as more advanced duties performed on the job. Becoming a medical assistant does not require a license, but most medical assistants choose to take the exam to become a certified medical assistant. While not a requirement, completing a certification shows potential employers that an applicant is prepared, and may lead to a higher medical assistant salary. See the Medical Assistant Salary by Degree/Major Subject report to compare the annual salary of a medical assistant with certification to the salary of a medical assistant without. In addition to education and training, medical assistants learn a great deal from first-hand experience. For good reason, the starting salary of a medical assistant will generally be lower than the average medical assistant's salary after many years of experience. View the Medical Assistant Salary by Years of Experience chart to see a salary progression over the course of 20 years.

How To Increase Your Medical Assistant Salary

Not surprisingly, many questions arise when people first begin their medical assistant salary research. A common question is, "How can I increase my medical assistant salary?" With the recent economic downturn, many medical assistants and other health care workers are wondering what steps to take for optimum career growth. One option is to increase your education by completing a medical assistant certification program or other Medical Education and training. If you're ready to move on from the average salary of a medical assistant, it could be the perfect time to pursue a Nursing Degree or other Health Care Education program. If you're just getting started as a medical assistant, education can provide a competitive edge when it comes to applying for jobs or negotiating salary offers.