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Top 10 Best and Worst States to Be a Medical Assistant
AllHealthcare.com and CareerVoyages.gov
As one of the most popular healthcare careers today, medical assistants wear many different hats. They interact with patients by taking vital signs and drawing blood and also handle administrative tasks, like preparing medical histories and scheduling appointments. Medical assistants are often the first person patients meet when they arrive at the physician’s office. While medical assistants are in demand, there are certain states where the salary and benefits make relocating particularly appealing. Where are these healthcare havens? Find out here.
Top 10 Highest Paying States for Medical Assistants
| State | Salary (hourly) |
| 1. California | $22.11 |
| 2. Idaho | $21.66 |
| 3. District of Columbia | $21.36 |
| 4. Connecticut | $20.36 |
| 5. Massachusetts | $20.08 |
| 6. New Jersey | $20.06 |
| 7. Alaska | $19.67 |
| 8. Rhode Island | $19.53 |
| 9. Delaware | $19.18 |
| 10. Washington | $19.04 |
shawnieh39
5 months ago
2 comments
I am a CMA in Georgia. I got a job in a community health clinic a couple of weeks after graduating from a technical school. Trust me, that is not the norm. There are literally hundreds of MAs graduating every month and they cannot find a job. I got started at a rate of $11.25 per hour but I have some classmates that got started at $9 at other practices. After 2 yrs here I am now making $12.26 per hr (which I made 4 years ago in customer service). All I can say is this article is not really accurate so take it with a grain of salt when considering going into this field. I really enjoy what I do and thank god Georgia is not too too bad when it comes to cost of living but I definitely am struggling.
telmagazio
6 months ago
44 comments
I'm sorry but this survey don't show the reality we live in the field. I just started as a CMA and the rate is just $ 9.00 hr and really difficulty to start so we accept this kind of rate because most places don't give you the opportunity to start and for this reason you can stay in a limbo for long time. I live in Maryland and I really hope that this rates (even the lowest list) can start to be a reality for us.
kmillerb46
6 months ago
2 comments
i hate to burst your bubble but certified medical assistants are making that kind of money!! I've been in the field for ten years and it would be nice but it's not reality.
carolann
10 months ago
4 comments
It is interesting to see the hourly rates for MA's. I am originally from Massachusetts and have been living in Florida for the past 5 years. I have been making the least amount of money for my work. I have waited over 2 years to make what I was making before. I am at 15.50 hourly and am ready to resign as I work in a very busy orthopaedic office. I have thought of moving back just for the wages ...but, Massachusetts is expensive as well. There is a large difference between the work ethic here in Florida and the Northeast. Perhaps that is why the pay is low, the benefits are not the greatest as well as the decrease value of employees here. It is a shame.
Summereve
11 months ago
8 comments
Why is not Hawaii part of this list? During my search for an MA position (with 5yrs patient contact experience) I was offered 10.00Hr. I would have to be avilable to travel to various locations and go from one island to another. I would have loved to be able to take the position...but not at that rate.
viviana33
about 1 year ago
2 comments
how can i get a job?
mandy_king21
about 1 year ago
2 comments
what abt texas?
michelle_quebec
about 1 year ago
2 comments
Are caregiver and medical assistants are the same?
mamemaryjp
about 1 year ago
4 comments
Are these M. A.'s certified or not?
mamemaryjp
about 1 year ago
4 comments
Where do Virginia fall at in these categories?
nilufar_asgar
about 1 year ago
2 comments
can an M.B.B.S degree holder can be a medical assisstant? may have 6 years experience in different fields of healthcare!
lonelyrabah
about 1 year ago
2 comments
what r the qulification to work as medical assistant
SpiritWinds
about 1 year ago
2 comments
As a CMA, the pay isn't too bad in CA. I make $20hr and my start rate was $18. I started working last year. It's true that there are places that abuse their MAs but not all. Some places have excellent medical and dental benefits as well as retirement options.
jjc
about 1 year ago
2 comments
This survery is not true. I live in Pennsylvania and Medical Assistants do not make that much it is between 9$-15$ per hr. and some place work medical assistants like a dog. Medical assistants do not get enough credit or pay for the work that we do. If i could give anyone advice it would be not to waste their hard earned money on a tech. school for medical assistant program. It's a rip off.
KMfromLV
about 1 year ago
2 comments
This also does not state whether the MA is certified or not...I would have to ASSUME that this is referring to CERTIFIED, and of course only the ones that actually filled out the surveys