If you’ve made up your mind to work as a medical assistant, firstly, it’s an excellent career choice.
There’s a high chance that you may have already enrolled in a high-quality online medical assistant program. But now, the real question is, once you finish your training, what work environment are you going to aim for?
The thing is that not all work environments pay equally. Amongst all the places you can work, the two most common environments for medical assistants are physician offices (clinics) and general medical hospitals.
While the job duties may overlap, the pay scales, benefits, and daily rhythms can be quite different.
Understanding the Current Median Pay for Medical Assistants
According to the data by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants is approximately $44,200 per year.
However, just because it mentions a specific number doesn’t mean you’ll be earning that as a starting salary. Also, where you work will determine how much you’ll earn.
Comparing the Industries: Hospitals vs. Clinics
As mentioned above, clinics and hospitals are primary work settings for a certified MA. Here’s a quick comparison between two:
1. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
As per the BLS data, nearly 17% of all MAs work in hospitals, as it typically (based on experience) offers a slightly higher median salary than private practices.
- Median Annual Wage: Approximately $46,000.
- The Draw: Hospitals are often large, well-funded institutions. Because they operate 24/7, they often offer shift differentials (extra pay for nights or weekends) and robust benefits packages that can significantly increase your total compensation.
2. Offices of Physicians (Clinics)
More than half of medical assistants, nearly 57%, work in this setting, but the base pay tends to be slightly lower. However, there are other benefits.
- Median Annual Wage: Approximately $44,000.
- The Draw: While the base pay may be slightly lower than in a hospital, clinics offer a much more predictable schedule. You typically won't be asked to work a graveyard shift, and you don’t have to work on holidays, which provides a more relaxed work environment (relative, of course, as even clinics can become hectic at times).
Can I Only Work in Hospitals or Clinics?
Not necessarily. If your primary goal is maximizing your income, there is a third category you should consider: Outpatient Care Centers.
The median annual wage here is $47,500.
However, there’s a reason why barely 10% of MAs work in such a work environment. For starters, you need to earn specialized certifications in specific procedures—like ambulatory surgery or specialized kidney dialysis—which obviously require advanced clinical skills.
Second, it can become extremely hectic for some people. This is why a majority of MAs gain the experience, and then advance to other senior roles with higher pay.
What Other Factors Impact the Salary?
Other than your work environment, the following will also impact your earning potential:
1. Geographic Location
According to BLS data, medical assistants in states like Washington, Alaska, and California earn significantly more than the national average. For example, medical assistants in top-tier metropolitan areas like San Francisco can see annual wages exceeding $50,000, whereas in states like Louisiana, the average salary is $33,000.
2. Certification Status
Since not every state requires you to have a certification to start as an MA, getting certified can significantly increase your earning potential.
3. Experience and Specialization
As it is with any other role, the more experience you have, the more you can earn. Additionally, you can specialize in cardiology assistance to increase your salary further.
So, Clinics vs Hospitals, Which One is Right For You?
Finally, to answer the important question. You should choose clinics if you prefer a consistent work style, whereas if you want dynamic working, then hospital setting is right for you.
Sign in to leave a comment.