Medical Administrative Assistants are essential to the operation of a healthcare facility. Their responsibilities include ensuring patient flow, performing insurance verifications, recording appointments, EHR, and managing office staff.
They are essential workers for doctors’ offices, clinics, and hospitals. Where would a healthcare facility manage an appointment with the front office staff? A front office/administrative assistant manages many roles and ensures the flow of a healthcare facility is efficient.
In what capacity are you likely to be employed in 2026? The average employee in the U.S., in the capacity of Medical Administrative Assistant, is likely to earn $44,460 a year.
It is $3,705 a month which is equivalent to $21.38 an hour. In comparison, a Medical Administrative Assistant salary will be at an annual rate of $44,460.
Determining an individual salary is a function of the healthcare facility of employment, the cost of the area of employment, and the number of years of experience.
It can be expected that a healthcare facility employed in a high cost of living area would attract an annual salary of $50,000. An entry level Medical Administrative Assistant is likely to earn an annual salary of $37,000.
This guide will include the impending average national salary (hourly, monthly, and annually); a salary overview by experience with entry vs. advanced comparison; the highest and lowest paying states and cities, variables impacting salary, and authentic job listings with visible salary salaries.
Also see: Respiratory Therapist Salary in the United States (2026): Monthly & Hourly Pay by State
National Average Medical Administrative Assistant Salary (2026)
Before we break things down by state and experience, let’s establish the national baseline.
The Big Picture Numbers
Based on salary data aggregated from multiple sources for 2026, here is what medical administrative assistants across the United States typically earn:
| Pay Period | Average Earnings |
| Hourly | $21.38 |
| Monthly | $3,705 |
| Annually | $44,460 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
Other sources report slightly different figures depending on job titles and data collection methods. Salary.com reports an average of 46,065 per year (46,065 per year (22 per hour) for a “Medical Administrator Medical Assistant
Salary by Percentile
To understand where you might land on the pay scale, it helps to look at percentiles. Here is how medical administrative assistant salaries break down:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly Salary | Hourly Rate |
| 10th Percentile (Entry-Level) | $36,200 | $3,017 | $17.40 |
| 25th Percentile | 37,000−37,000−41,500 | 3,083−3,083−3,458 | 17.79−17.79−19.95 |
| Average (Median) | $44,460 | $3,705 | $21.38 |
| 75th Percentile | 48,500−48,500−50,375 | 4,042−4,042−4,198 | 23.32−23.32−24.22 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | 54,299−54,299−55,500 | 4,525−4,525−4,625 | 26.10−26.10−26.68 |
Sources: ZipRecruiter , Salary.com
As you can see, there is significant room for growth. The top 10% of medical administrative assistants earn nearly $20,000 more annually than entry-level professionals. This gap reflects differences in experience, specialization, location, and employer.
Entry-Level vs. Experienced Salaries
If you are just starting your career, your salary will likely be on the lower end of the spectrum. Here is how pay typically progresses with experience:
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | Estimated Hourly Rate |
| Entry-Level (less than 1 year) | 37,400−37,400−45,400 | 18.00−18.00−21.80 |
| Early Career (1-2 years) | 45,900−45,900−51,300 | 22.00−22.00−24.70 |
| Mid-Level (2-4 years) | 46,800−46,800−54,800 | 22.50−22.50−26.30 |
| Senior-Level (5-8 years) | 47,000−47,000−55,300 | 22.60−22.60−26.60 |
| Expert (over 8 years) | 47,100−47,100−55,600 | 22.65−22.65−26.70 |
Sources: Salary.com
Hourly Wages for Medical Administrative Assistants
Hourly rates are particularly important for medical administrative assistants because many positions are part-time, hourly, or include shift differentials.
National Average Hourly Wage
The average hourly wage for a medical administrative assistant in the United States is approximately $21.38 per hour . However, this varies significantly:
- 10th Percentile (Entry-Level): $17.40 per hour
- 25th Percentile: 17.79−19.95 per hour
- Median: $21.38 per hour
- 75th Percentile: 23.32−24.22 per hour
- 90th Percentile (Top Earners): 26.10−26.68 per hour
Factors That Affect Hourly Pay
Several factors influence your hourly rate:
- Geographic location – Urban areas and states with higher costs of living pay more.
- Experience level – Each year of experience adds to your hourly rate.
- Employer type – Hospitals typically pay more than small private practices.
- Certifications – Certified Medical Administrative Assistants (CMAA) earn higher rates.
- Shift differentials – Evening or weekend shifts may include additional pa
Monthly Salary Breakdown
Understanding monthly pay is crucial for budgeting, rent payments, and financial planning.
Average Monthly Pay
The average monthly salary for a medical administrative assistant in the United States is approximately $3,705 . However, like hourly rates, this varies significantly based on experience and location.
Here is a more detailed monthly breakdown:
| Category | Monthly Salary Range |
| 10th Percentile (Entry-Level) | 3,000−3,000−3,100 |
| 25th Percentile | 3,100−3,100−3,500 |
| Average (Median) | 3,700−3,700−3,800 |
| 75th Percentile | 4,000−4,000−4,200 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | 4,500−4,500−4,600 |
Sources: ZipRecruiter , Salary.com
Entry-Level Medical Administrative Assistant Pay (2026)
If you are just starting your career or considering entering this field, entry-level pay is likely your primary concern.
What Is Considered “Entry-Level”?
In the medical administrative assistant field, “entry-level” typically means:
- Less than 1 year of professional experience
- New graduates of certificate or associate degree programs
- Career changers with transferable administrative skills
Entry-Level Salary Ranges
Different data sources report different entry-level figures. Here is a consolidated view:
| Source | Entry-Level Definition | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
| ZipRecruiter | 10th Percentile (all entry-level) | $36,200 | $17.40 |
| Salary.com | Less than 1 year experience | $45,403 | $21.83 |
| Salary Expert | 1-3 years experience | $33,102 | $15.91 |
Sources: ZipRecruiter , Salary.com , Salary Expert
Why the Wide Range?
The range of estimates (from 33,000 to 45 ,000) represents the following.
- Different levels of experience are considered as “entry level.” The range is less than 1 year to 1 to 3 years.
- Entry-level salaries differ from one region to another. For example, rural Maine would have lower salaries compared to New York City.
- Different paying employers. For example, large hospitals have higher salaries for their entry-level employees than smaller clinics.
- Different criteria do determine if an employee is entry level. Some include only employed people, and others include everyone looking for work.
Realistic Expectation for New Graduates
Based on the available data, a reasonable starting salary for a new medical administrative assistant with a certificate or associate degree in 2026 is:
- Annual: 35,000−38,000
- Hourly: 16.80−18.30
- Monthly: 2,900−3,200
With a bachelor’s degree or prior administrative experience, you may start at the higher end of this range (38,000−42,000).
Salary by Experience Level (Year-by-Year Breakdown)
Experience is an important salary determinant for this profession. The following fits the medical administrative assistant profession from Salary.com data with the New Rochelle, NY location as an example.
Year-by-Year Progression
According to Salary.com data for Medical Administrative Assistants (New Rochelle, NY location shown as example, but growth patterns are nationally consistent) :
| Experience Level | Years of Experience | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate Range |
| Entry-Level | Less than 1 year | $49,540 | $23.82 |
| Early Career | 1-2 years | $51,289 | $24.66 |
| Mid-Level | 2-4 years | $54,816 | $26.35 |
| Senior-Level | 5-8 years | $55,333 | $26.60 |
| Expert | Over 8 years | $55,591 | $26.73 |
Source: Salary.com
Note: These figures are from a high-cost location (New Rochelle, NY) and are higher than national averages. However, the percentage increases between levels are applicable nationally.
Percentage Growth from Entry-Level to Expert
Using the national average data, here is the growth trajectory:
| Career Stage | National Average Salary | Increase from Previous Stage |
| Entry-Level (0-1 year) | $37,400 | — |
| Early Career (1-2 years) | $45,900 | +22.7% |
| Mid-Level (2-4 years) | $46,800 | +2.0% |
| Senior-Level (5-8 years) | $47,000 | +0.4% |
| Expert (8+ years) | $47,100 | +0.2% |
Salary by State and City (Geographic Variation)
Location is one of the biggest factors affecting your salary. States and cities with higher costs of living, larger healthcare sectors, or stronger labor markets pay significantly more.
Highest-Paying States
Based on available data, here are states where medical administrative assistants earn the highest salaries:
| Rank | State | Average Annual Salary | Notes |
| 1 | New York | 52,000−56,000+ | Highest due to NYC cost of living |
| 2 | California | 50,000−55,000 | High demand in urban areas |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 48,000−52,000 | Strong healthcare sector |
| 4 | Washington | 47,000−51,000 | Seattle market drives wages |
| 5 | Oregon | 46,000−50,000 | University positions pay well |
Highest-Paying Cities
Specific metropolitan areas often pay significantly more than their states’ averages:
| City | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate |
| New Rochelle, NY | 49,540−55,591 | 23.82−26.73 |
| New York, NY | $52,000+ | $25.00+ |
| Los Angeles, CA | 50,000−55,000 | 24.00−26.44 |
| San Francisco, CA | $55,000+ | $26.44+ |
| Seattle, WA | 48,000−52,000 | 23.08−25.00 |
Source: Salary.com
Lower-Paying Regions
Conversely, rural areas and states with lower costs of living pay less:
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Difference from National Average |
| Presque Isle, Maine | $43,971 | -1.1% |
| Arnot Health (NY system) | $35,835 | -21.5% |
| Rural Southeast | 35,000−38,000 | -15% to -20% |
Sources: Salary Expert , ZipRecruiter
Factors That Influence Medical Administrative Assistant Salaries
Beyond location and experience, several other factors affect how much you can earn.
1. Certification
Professional certification can significantly boost your earning potential. The most recognized credential is the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
- Certified professionals typically earn 10-15% more than non-certified peers.
- Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for certification exams.
2. Employer Type
Different healthcare settings pay different wages:
| Employer Type | Typical Pay Level | Notes |
| Large Hospital Systems | Highest | Union benefits, shift differentials |
| Specialty Clinics | Medium-High | Cardiology, oncology, orthopedics |
| University Health Centers | Medium-High | Often includes tuition benefits |
| Primary Care Practices | Medium | Smaller budgets |
| Dental Offices | Medium | Similar to primary care |
| Small Private Practices | Lowest | Limited resources |
3. Education Level
While a high school diploma may be sufficient for some entry-level positions, additional education increases earning potential:
| Education Level | Typical Starting Salary |
| High School Diploma | 32,000−35,000 |
| Certificate Program (6-12 months) | 35,000−38,000 |
| Associate Degree (2 years) | 37,000−42,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 42,000−48,000+ |
4. Specialized Skills
Certain skills command higher wages:
| Skill | Salary Boost |
| Electronic Health Records (EHR) expertise | +5-10% |
| Medical coding knowledge | +10-15% |
| Bilingual (Spanish/English) | +5-10% |
| Insurance verification specialist | +5-10% |
| Practice management software | +5-8% |
5. Facility Size
Larger healthcare organizations typically pay more than small practices:
| Facility Size | Average Annual Salary |
| 1,000+ employees | 46,000−50,000 |
| 100-999 employees | 42,000−46,000 |
| Under 100 employees | 36,000−42,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is Medical Administrative Assistant a Good Career in 2026?
It is a good career because the healthcare industry is large and growing. Administrative functions are in every medical office, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows increasing demand for medical secretaries and administrative assistants because healthcare is being used more as the population continues to age.
Q2: Is Medical Administrative Assistance Salary hourly or Monthly salary?
Most Medical Administrative Assistants are paid hourly, and because of it, many can receive overtime pay. Only senior and supervisory positions are salary positions.
Q3: Can Medical Administrative Assistants make six figures?
Most likely, no. However, the top 90th percentile would make about $55,000 a year. In order to achieve a greater salary, a career change to office manager, practice administrator, or to positions in healthcare management would be necessary.
Q4: What is the difference in Medical Administrative Assistant vs Clinical Medical Assistant salaries?
Due to the job functions being clerical and office-facing, Medical Administrative Assistants typically earn a lower salary than Clinical Medical Assistants, who are able to perform both administrative functions as well as clinical functions that include taking patient vitals and helping out with physical exams.
Q5: What is Education for Medical Administrative Assistants?
The minimum education that would be acceptable to be a Medical Administrative Assistant is a high school diploma. Further education that is looked on more favorably would be either an Associate’s degree or completion of a certificate program of 6 to 12 months. Earning the CMAA certification can be financially rewarding as well.
Q6: What state has the highest pay for Medical Administrative Assistants?
New York has the highest average salaries, especially in the New York City metropolitan area, where salaries can be more than $55,000 for people with more experience.
Q7: What are the employee benefits for Medical Administrative Assistants?
For the most part, full-time jobs in Medical Administrative Assistance provide health insurance that includes medical, dental, and vision, as well as paid vacation and retirement plan (401k or similar) sick leave.
How to Maximize Your Salary as a Medical Administrative Assistant
If you want to earn above the average, here are actionable strategies:
Strategy 1: Obtaining New Certifications.
NHA’s Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential, for example, pays dividends to those who have it. Employers who reimburse the certification fee, typically set at $155, will reimburse certified employees.
Strategy 2: Move to More Pay.
The salary difference for those who choose to leave rural areas for urban job locations is about $10,000-15,000 per year. Medical administration jobs that allow remote work with the pay location set to headquarters are an option.
Strategy 3: Gain Skill in EHRs.
Becoming skilled in key EHR systems such Epic, Cerner, Athenahealth, and eClinicalWorks will assist in getting higher starting salaries and will be a positive and much needed skill on your CV.
Strategy 4: Go for Larger Employers
The larger private practices, hospitals, and built health systems offer much wider remuneration than smaller organizations. Direct your focus to employers who have 500+ employees.
Conclusion: Your Earning Potential as a Medical Administrative Assistant
A medical administrative assistant career in health administration offers a pathway to a secure career in the health sector. There is room for professional development.
The requirement of health administration assistants continues to be strong. There is no diminishing the need for healthcare and each and every medical clinic, doctor’s surgery and hospital will have a requirement for efficient operations management of their front office professionals.