Medical Assisting Education & Careers
Salary guide for medical assistants in Alabama
In the Deep South, where hospitality meets healthcare, Alabama emerges as a promising landscape for aspiring medical assistants. With its vibrant healthcare sector and a commitment to community well-being, Alabama provides a compelling backdrop for those seeking a fulfilling career in medical assisting—and the salary that goes with it.
Quick view of MA pay in Alabama
There are roughly 12,360 people employed as medical assistants in Alabama says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that out of every 1,000 people in the state, around six are medical assistants. The median wage per hour is $16 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 13.9%.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of Alabama include:
- UAB Medicine: Birmingham, AL. A renowned academic medical center offering diverse opportunities for medical assistants in various specialties.
- Huntsville Hospital: Huntsville, AL. Serving as the largest hospital in North Alabama, Huntsville Hospital provides a range of positions for medical assistants.
- DCH Regional Medical Center: Tuscaloosa, AL. This medical center offers a comprehensive healthcare environment, providing opportunities for medical assistants to excel in their careers.
- St. Vincent’s Health System: Birmingham, AL. A part of Ascension Health, St. Vincent’s is a major healthcare provider in Alabama, offering rewarding roles for medical assistants.
- Mobile Infirmary Medical Center: Mobile, AL. This hospital, situated on the Gulf Coast, provides medical assistants with opportunities to contribute to a diverse patient population.
Why Alabama is a great state for medical assistants:
- Thriving healthcare scene: Alabama boasts a robust and expanding healthcare sector, with numerous medical facilities ranging from state-of-the-art hospitals to community clinics. This growth ensures a consistent demand for skilled medical assistants.
- Warm community-oriented culture: The southern charm of Alabama extends into its healthcare environment, where community-focused care is a priority. Medical assistants can find a sense of purpose in contributing to the health and well-being of their neighbors.
- Diverse work environments: From bustling urban medical centers to rural healthcare facilities, Alabama offers medical assistants a diverse array of work environments to suit their preferences and career aspirations.
- Cultural richness: The state’s rich cultural heritage and friendly communities create an environment that enhances the overall quality of life for medical assistants living and working in Alabama.
How much do medical assistants make in Alabama?
While the median national salary for medical assistants is $42,000 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education. Here’s how medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assisting salaries in Alabama
The median annual salary for medical assistants in Alabama is $34,050, lower than the national median. This may be offset by the fact that Alabama’s cost of living is considerably lower than the national average, so salaries are commensurate with that adjustment.
10%$24,960
25%$29,610
50%$34,050Median
75%$36,910
90%$42,700
Median Hourly Wage$16
Job growth13.9%
Total Employment12,360
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $36,110 | $28,720 | $46,340 |
| Huntsville, AL | $35,410 | $29,260 | $38,670 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $35,080 | $24,350 | $38,500 |
| Montgomery, AL | $34,020 | $27,460 | $41,960 |
| Mobile, AL | $33,800 | $24,140 | $39,160 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $32,520 | $27,040 | $44,420 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $32,150 | $25,440 | $39,970 |
| Decatur, AL | $31,990 | $29,010 | $41,760 |
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | $30,890 | $22,120 | $36,150 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $30,780 | $25,550 | $39,730 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for a medical assisting career in Alabama
The salary range for medical assistants in Alabama accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration the other factors such as experience, education and time in the position.
- Entry-level: Fresh graduates entering the field in Alabama can expect a competitive starting salary ranging from $22,000 to $28,000 annually.
- Mid-level: With a few years of experience, mid-level medical assistants can earn between $29,000 and $36,000 per year.
- Senior level: Seasoned medical assistants in leadership roles can command salaries exceeding $42,000 annually, depending on experience and expertise.
Pay by metro area for medical assistants
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say you work in Birmingham for example, which has several high profile medical facilities, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, Alabama cities do not rank in the top 10 paying metro areas, but the BLS says that Gadsden, AL, has the third highest concentration of jobs for medical assistants in the country at 12.16 per 1,000 jobs.
What factors affect medical assisting salaries in Alabama?
Medical assistant salaries can vary based on several factors. Alabama enjoys a lower cost of living compared to the national average, which may impact pay levels. Other factors influencing pay include experience, education and the geographic location within the state. Urban areas may offer higher salaries to offset a higher cost of living. Additionally, factors such as certification, additional responsibilities and demand for medical assistant skills in certain regions can influence pay scales.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly in my medical assisting job in Alabama?
Understanding what influences medical assistant pay is crucial, especially if you feel you are not being paid fairly compared to another worker with the same duties. Individuals can refer to salary surveys and resources provided by the Alabama Department of Labor to gauge whether they are being paid commensurately. Alabama adheres to federal equal pay laws, ensuring that medical assistants are compensated without discrimination.
To gauge whether you are being paid fairly as a medical assistant:
- Research industry standards: Use online salary research tools and recruitment websites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter, and use BLS data to understand the existing salary ranges for medical assistants in your geographic area.
- Compare your salary with other workplaces that do the same thing: Compare your salary with those of people who work in the same size hospital or clinic. It would likely not be an accurate representation to compare salaries in a large, urban healthcare facility with several locations, to a small non-profit clinic, for example.
- Consider your experience: Honestly evaluate your experience and education to ensure they align with industry expectations for your salary level. Compare what you do on the job to others in similar roles.
- Ask your manager or HR department: HR is skilled in providing insights into industry norms and pay ranges for roles at every level within an industry and work environment. They may be able to help you understand why there is some disparity, or how you may be able to increase your pay.
Alabama not only enforces the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, but also the statewide Clarke-Figures Equal Pay Act, which prohibits employers from paying less for the same work on the basis of gender or race. If you still think you are not receiving fair pay, you may contact the Alabama Department of Labor for more resources.
Education and training for medical assisting in Alabama
To become a medical assistant in Alabama, individuals typically need a diploma or certificate from an accredited medical assisting program. Advanced certifications, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), may enhance career prospects and could open doors to higher-paying positions.
Cost of living considerations for AL
The good news is Alabama has a 13% lower cost of living compared to the national average, and that includes all of the state’s major cities. RentCafe says that housing in Alabama is 38% lower than the national average, as is healthcare, which is 16% lower. All of these factor into Alabama being a smart state in which to begin a medical assisting career.
Take a look at how some of the major cities in Alabama stack up against the national average:
| Alabama City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | 8% lower |
| Huntsville | 8% lower |
| Montgomery | 12% lower |
| Tuscaloosa | 1% lower |
| Athens | 6% lower |
Alabama professional associations
Professional groups aligned to medical assistants’ specific education and certifications may offer networking opportunities, continuing education opportunities, job boards and a network of supportive peers and other medical workers.
Here is the Alabama group specifically for medical assistants in the state:
- Alabama Society of Medical Assistants: The state chapter of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Alabama’s mission is to help medical assisting professionals enhance and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professionalism required to by employers and patients.
As you consider a career in medical assisting, Alabama beckons with its vibrant healthcare community and a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Seize the moment, explore accredited programs and take the first step towards a rewarding career in medical assisting.
The medical assistant salary guide for Alabama aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the medical assisting profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find medical assistant salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in healthcare roles—and much more.
Written and reported by:
My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Published: February 9, 2024