Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary 2025: $45,930 Median, 4.2% Growth
The median Medical Secretary and Administrative Assistant earns $45,930 per year, or about $22 per hour, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The middle half of workers earn between $35,930 and $60,530, with the top 10% pulling in over $60,530. These figures reflect the national landscape for the 961,610 people employed in this occupation as of May 2024.
How much Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn
The national average salary is $46,800, with a typical hourly wage of $22.50. Pay is heavily influenced by experience, employer type, and location. Hospitals and specialty clinics tend to pay more than physician offices. The 10th percentile starts at $35,930, while top earners at the 90th percentile exceed $60,530.
Pay by state
Washington tops the list at $58,100 median salary, followed by California at $54,490, Massachusetts at $50,290, Oregon at $50,130, and Minnesota at $50,030. At the lower end, Alabama and Louisiana both average $36,930, and Mississippi averages $36,290. Choosing a high-paying state can boost earnings by more than $20,000 compared to the lowest-paying states.
How to become Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistant
Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, though many employers prefer an associate degree in medical office administration or a related field. On-the-job training is common, lasting a few weeks to months. Certification, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) from the National Healthcareer Association, can improve job prospects and starting pay.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Consider an associate degree in medical office administration or health information management.
- Gain computer proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) software.
- Apply for entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, or physician offices.
- Optional: Obtain certification (e.g., CMAA) to stand out.
Job outlook
Employment for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 85,900 job openings each year, many due to replacement needs as workers retire or move to other fields. An aging population and increased demand for healthcare services drive the need for administrative support in medical settings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for a Medical Secretary and Administrative Assistant?
The national median salary is $45,930 per year, or about $22 per hour.
Which states pay Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants the most?
Washington pays the highest median salary at $58,100, followed by California ($54,490), Massachusetts ($50,290), Oregon ($50,130), and Minnesota ($50,030).
What education is needed to become a Medical Secretary or Administrative Assistant?
A high school diploma is usually the minimum, but an associate degree in medical office administration can be helpful. On-the-job training and optional certification, like the CMAA, also boost opportunities.
Is the job outlook for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants good?
Yes, employment is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 85,900 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants data.