What is the Average Salary for a Medical Assistant?
There are more than 400,000 medical assistant positions in the United States, and job opportunities are expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. Information about earnings of medical assistants can be found in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Median Earnings The median earnings of medical assistants were $26,290 per year as of May 2006, the last period for which data were available. Middle 50 Percent Medical assistants in the middle 50 percent of earnings earned between $21,970 and $31,210 per year. Top 10 Percent Medical assistants in the highest 10 percent of earnings earned more than $36,840 per year. Bottom 10 Percent Medical assistants in the lowest 10 percent of earnings earned less than $18,860 per year. Factors The earnings of medical assistants vary greatly according to education, experience and geographical area. Some medical assistants are paid hourly, while others earn a salary and are eligible for employee benefits.
