Summary
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Quick Facts: Medical Assistants | |
---|---|
$32,480 per year
$15.61 per hour |
|
Postsecondary nondegree award | |
None | |
None | |
634,400 | |
29% (Much faster than average) | |
183,900 |
What Medical Assistants Do
Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.
Work Environment
Most medical assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
How to Become a Medical Assistant
Most medical assistants have postsecondary education such as a certificate. Others enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for medical assistants was $32,480 in May 2017.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth of the aging baby-boom population will continue to increase demand for preventive medical services, which are often provided by physicians. As a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties, allowing the physicians to see more patients.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for medical assistants.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of medical assistants with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about medical assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.