A medical administrative assistant performs many office tasks such as scheduling appointments, filing insurance claims and handling billing, and communicating with patients and other members of their healthcare team. Medical administrative assistants in the US earn nearly $47,000 per year compared to about NZ$42,000 in New Zealand. In Canada, annual earnings are about C$49,000 ($39,237 USD) while salaries in Australia surpass AU$48,000 ($38,063 USD) and are just under £29,000 ($33,799 USD) in the UK.
On the lower end of the pay scale are India and South Africa at Rs263,000 ($4,045 USD) per year and about R146,000 ($10,736 USD) per year, respectively. Annual salaries for medical administrative assistants vary by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting as further outlined in this guide.
How Much Does a Medical Administrative Assistant Make per Year?
Average earnings for medical administrative assistants are found in the chart.
| Medical Administrative Assistant Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $22 | C$24 | £14 | AU$33 | NZ$28 | Rs126 | R70 |
| Annual Wage | $46,573 | C$48,959 ($39,237 USD) |
£28,742 ($33,799 USD) |
AU$48,398 ($38,063 USD) |
NZ$58,427 ($41,868 USD) |
Rs263,069 ($4,045 (USD) |
R145,711 ($10,736 USD) |
Factors that Influence the Medical Administrative Assistant Salary
Earning potential for medical administrative assistants is strongly influenced by geographic region, while professional experience and work setting may also affect annual salaries. This guide provides additional details on earning potential in select countries worldwide.
1. Geographic Area
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary in US
In the US, medical administrative assistants earn about $47,000 per year with nearly $1,000 possible through additional bonus income. Those paid an hourly wage receive about $22 per year. Entry level positions see a typical starting salary of more than $32,000 per year compared to senior level positions that garner an average annual salary of more than $56,000.
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary in Canada
Medical administrative assistants in Canada earn nearly C$49,000 per year, or C$24 per hour. Additional bonus income potential can reach another $1,000 in earnings. The average starting salary for entry level medical administrative assistants is about C$34,000 per year while those in senior level positions earn more than C$59,000 annually.
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary in UK
The average annual salary for medical administrative assistants in the UK is about £29,000, plus another £600 available in bonus income potential, and hourly wage earners receive about £14 per hour. While entry level medical administrative assistants receive nearly £20,000 in annual income, those at the senior level earn nearly £35,000 per year.
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary in Australia
Medical administrative assistants in Australia receive earn about AU$70,000 per year, on average, equating to about AU$33 per hour. Bonus income potential can exceed AU$1,300 in additional earnings. Those in entry level positions typically receive more than AU$48,000 per year while senior level positions see an average annual salary of more than AU$84,000.
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average starting salary for entry level medical administrative assistants is just under NZ$41,000 per year, increasing to nearly NZ$71,000 annually for those with the most experience and responsibility at the senior level. Overall, medical administrative assistants at all levels receive an annual income that exceeds NZ$58,000, or NZ$28 per hour, with another NZ$1,100 available through bonus incentives.
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary in India
The average annual salary for entry level medical administrative assistants in India is nearly Rs186,000 compared to Rs324,000 for those in senior level positions. Hourly wage earners receive roughly Rs126 per hour, on average, compared to Rs263,000 per year for those paid an annual salary. An additional Rs5,000 can be earned through bonus incentives.
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, medical administrative assistants earn about R145,000 per year, or R70 per hour. Entry level medical administrative assistants receive an average annual salary that exceeds R102,000 per year, compared to those at the senior level who earn more than R178,000 annually. There are opportunities for additional bonus income that can add another R2,800 in income.
2. Experience
Earning potential is greatly affected by professional experience as those in senior level positions see annual incomes that are between 73% and 75% greater than their entry level counterparts. For example, in the US where annual salaries for this career are among the highest, senior level medical administrative assistants earn about $24,000 more per year, representing an increase of 75%. Despite the variance in annual earnings, Australia and South Africa also see an increase of 75% in senior level annual salaries. The difference between entry level and senior level pay in New Zealand is about NZ$30,000 per year, or 73%, while those in Canada and India see an increase of 74%.
3. Industry
Medical administrative assistants are employed in hospitals, specialty clinics, surgery centers, and physician offices. Earning potential for those working in nonprofit organizations and the public sector may experience lower pay and less opportunity for bonus income compared to for-profit and private sector businesses.
Working Hours
Many medical administrative assistants work full-time; however, part-time employment and flexible scheduling is available in some organizations. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours, though some evening and weekend hours may be necessary.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Benefits packages that include medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as paid time off for vacation, holiday, and sick time is common. While part-time employment is available, those who work fewer than full-time hours may be ineligible for the same level of benefits or bonus plans as full-time employees.
There is potential to further increase earnings through bonus pay; however, these opportunities may be greater in for-profit and private sector organizations. Other benefits that may be available include allowances for paid training and meals, retirement plans, and health savings accounts.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 23% growth in medical administrative assistant positions between 2014 and 2024 as a result of an aging population and increase in chronic health conditions requiring medical treatment, which leaves physicians less time to work on administrative tasks. To work as a medical administrative assistant, the equivalent of a high school degree with additional on-job training is required; however, those with an associate’s degree or post-secondary certification may find greater ease in securing employment and see higher wages.
Conclusion
Medical administrative assistants need a minimal amount of education and training, and while earning potential is lower compared to some other healthcare positions, they often receive benefits and bonus packages that can further boost overall income. Most work full-time hours, but part-time employment and flexible schedules are available. Strong growth is expected in this career field, which should support earning potential and provide sufficient employment opportunities in the coming years.
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