Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of medical assistants that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.
Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of medical assistants:
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Optometric Assistant is the highest-paid type of medical assistant with an average salary of $98,734 and an average hourly rate of $47.47.
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The second highest-paying type of medical assistant is medical internship, with an average salary of $50,843.
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The average medical assistant salary is $34,900 per year, and the average hourly pay is $16.78.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a medical assistant, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of medical assistants are so that you can plan your career progression.
Here are the top salaries for different types of medical assistants:
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Optometric Assistant
Average Salary: $98,734
An optometric assistant performs a variety of support tasks to assist optometrists and maintain a smooth flow of operations at clinics. They typically greet clients and identify their eye and vision care needs, answer inquiries, gather patient histories and other information, prepare and assist the clients for vision tests, and administer eye drops. They may also perform clerical tasks such as processing documents, organizing files, handling calls and correspondence, liaising with external partners such as suppliers and vendors, and updating databases. Moreover, an optometric assistant may also adjust and repair glasses, all according to the clients’ needs.
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Medical Internship
Average Salary: $50,843
When it comes to a medical internship, one of the primary duties is to attend to the patients’ needs while under a more experienced physician’s supervision. During this period, the medical interns must rotate in various fields of specialties or departments for exposure. Aside from learning and observing, there are also instances when medical interns are required to produce necessary reports and documentation, communicate with patients and families, and take part in more challenging cases.
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Medical Assistant Instructor
Average Salary: $40,698
An assistant medical instructor is responsible for supporting medical instructors in teaching medical students for programs and processes, depending on their area of expertise. Assistant medical instructors handle the preparation of learning materials and other related resources according to the class level and curriculum. They also serve as a liaison between the instructor and the students to respond with inquiries and concerns, resolve learning difficulties, and document examinations. An assistant medical instructor must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in maintaining organized student records and updating the grading system as needed.
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Medical Research Assistant
Average Salary: $40,303
A medical research assistant is primarily in charge of performing support tasks in a laboratory or similar environment. Their responsibilities include gathering and organizing samples, preparing the laboratories and other facilities, compiling and managing data, updating databases, and conducting examinations and analysis, all while adhering to the laboratory’s policies and regulations. They may also liaise with clients, answering inquiries as necessary. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an active line with researchers, coordinating with them every step of the way to ensure an efficient workflow.
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Lead Medical Assistant
Average Salary: $38,303
A lead medical assistant performs administrative support tasks for clinical teams to provide optimal care and services to patients. They work under the supervision of a clinical manager whom they report to regularly. Among their responsibilities include establishing staff schedules and guidelines, conducting research and analysis, coordinating staff, reviewing medical charts and reports, organizing documents, and training new members of the workforce. Moreover, they may also assist patients by answering inquiries, performing follow-up calls to confirm appointment schedules, and preparing patients by giving them the information they need.
Below is a full table of the average pay for various medical assistant that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Medical Assistants
Methodology
Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.
Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for medical assistants.
Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Medical Assistant Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid medical assistant job?
The highest-paid medical assistant job is an optometric assistant. Optometric Assistants earn an average salary of $98,734, which is $ 47.47 hourly.
An optometric assistant performs a variety of support tasks to assist optometrists and maintain a smooth flow of operations at clinics. They typically greet clients and identify their eye and vision care needs, answer inquiries, gather patient histories and other information, prepare and assist the clients for vision tests, and administer eye drops. They may also perform clerical tasks such as processing documents, organizing files, handling calls and correspondence, liaising with external partners such as suppliers and vendors, and updating databases. Moreover, an optometric assistant may also adjust and repair glasses, all according to the clients’ needs.
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What is a good salary for a medical assistant?
A good salary for a medical assistant is $34,900 or more. The average medical assistant salary is $34,900, so those making at least $34,900 are earning above-average paychecks.
Keep in mind, however, that the average medical assistant salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.
In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a medical assistant, the average entry level salary is $32,129, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $34,900 average, as this includes all medical assistants of all skill and experience levels.
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Do Medical Assistant jobs pay well?
No, medical assistant jobs don’t pay well. As in any industry, some medical assistant jobs pay better than others, but the average medical assistant salary of $34,900 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.
In addition to this, many medical assistant jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of medical assistants earning $41,630 a year on average.
Medical Assistants’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a medical assistant. Do your research on the going rate for a medical assistant in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.
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Where do medical assistants get paid the most?
Medical Assistants get paid the most in Washington. In Washington, medical assistants earn an average annual salary of $45,025 and an average hourly wage of $21.65.
Following WA, the states with the highest-paid medical assistants are Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Alaska, with average annual salaries of $39,735, $38,059, and $46,918 respectively.
The cities with the highest-paid medical assistant salaries are:
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Vancouver, WA – $45,301
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Portland, OR – $42,188
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San Francisco, CA – $40,969
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
