How Much Does a Certified Medical Assistant Make

Nowadays, simply going to college does not guarantee you will land a lucrative job with full benefits and room for career advancement. This is the era of specialization. Pursue a career as a certified medical assistant and you will make much more than a living wage. Certified medical assistants live comfortably, receive benefits, and enjoy significant career growth as well as career stability.

How Much Does a Certified Medical Assistant M

ake?

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median yearly salary for certified medical assistants is just under $33,000. However, this is not to say every certified medical assistant makes between $30,000 and $35,000. The level of compensation differs by location as well as years of experience. Furthermore, one's specialization within the field plays a part in shaping his or her salary as well.

For the most part, certified medical assistants typically earn $30,000 or more. The aforementioned Bureau reports the top 10% of medical assistants earn in excess of $45,000 per year. Though it will take at least a few years to reach this salary level, it is well worth the effort. Reach the top 10% in terms of earning capacity and you can look forward to even more raises across posterity. Thankfully, this industry is a true meritocracy; work your hardest and your earnings as a certified medical assistant are likely to increase.

Salary Plus Benefits

One of the primary advantages of working in the medical industry is the fact that certified medical assistants and other medical professionals earn a full range of benefits in addition to their salary. Aside from health care benefits, certified medical assistants typically receive sick leave, holiday pay, a 401(k) plan, and vacation pay.

Room for Career Growth

Pursue a career as a certified medical assistant and your earning capacity will be significantly higher than your beginning salary. Though not all certified medical assistants use the position to segue to another role in the healthcare field that pays more money, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for promotions and raises for those who remain in this niche. The decision to remain a certified medical assistant and make more money with each successive year or use the role as a stepping stone to another position in the healthcare industry is completely yours.

Compensation Differs by Work Setting

The amount of money you make as a certified medical assistant is partially dependent on the health care setting in which you work. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistants predominantly work in doctors' offices. The group reports about 15% of medical assistants work in hospitals. About 10% of medical assistants work in residential care facilities and outpatient care centers. Less than 5% of these professionals work at chiropractors' offices.

The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) reports certified medical assistants earn an average of $35,324 in ambulatory surgery settings. Those who work in physicians' offices earn an average salary of $32,710. Certified medical assistants in emergency and outpatient hospital settings earn an average yearly salary of just under $34,000.

Athena Career Academy Will Help Launch Your Medical Assistant Career

If you are thinking about launching a career in the medical field by becoming a medical assistant or working in another role, you owe it to yourself to consider our clinical medical assistant program. Contact us today to learn more about how we can prepare you for a successful medical assistant career.