Medical Assisting Education & Careers
Medical assistant salaries in Connecticut
Connecticut’s healthcare sector is characterized by innovation and a commitment to quality patient care, creating a demand for skilled medical assistants. These professionals handle both administrative and clinical tasks, contributing to the efficiency of medical practices.
This article delves into the intricacies of medical assistant salaries in the Constitution State, exploring different career path levels, major employers and the factors influencing fair compensation.
Quick view of MA pay in CT
There are roughly 9,160 people employed as medical assistants in Connecticut says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that out of every 1,000 people in the state, almost six are medical assistants. The median wage per hour is $22 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 13.9%.
Connecticut is known for its diverse industries, including:
- Healthcare and Bioscience: With renowned medical institutions and biotech companies, healthcare is a major industry.
- Finance and Insurance: The state is home to many financial services companies and insurance providers.
- Manufacturing: Connecticut has a rich history in manufacturing, particularly in aerospace and defense.
- Technology and Innovation: Technology companies and research institutions contribute to the state’s innovation ecosystem.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of Connecticut include:
- Yale New Haven Health: New Haven, CT and other locations. As a major healthcare system, Yale New Haven Health employs medical assistants in various capacities across its network of hospitals and clinics.
- Hartford HealthCare: Hartford, CT. Another prominent healthcare provider, Hartford HealthCare offers opportunities for medical assistants in both clinical and administrative roles.
- Stamford Health: Stamford, CT. Serving the Stamford area, this healthcare institution hires medical assistants to support patient care and administrative functions.
- UnitedHealth Group: Hartford, CT. Operating in the insurance and healthcare services sector, UnitedHealth Group may hire medical assistants for roles related to patient support and care coordination.
- Community Health Center, Inc.: Multiple locations, CT; With 17 centers throughout the state (four in Stamford), this community-focused healthcare organization hires medical assistants to provide care in underserved communities.
How much do medical assistants make in Connecticut?
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 assistant salary in Connecticut
The median annual salary for medical assisting professionals in Connecticut is $45,780, higher than the national median. While it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state, Connecticut is, on average, $3,000 higher for annual pay.
10%$37,380
25%$40,490
50%$45,780Median
75%$48,720
90%$57,110
Median Hourly Wage$22
Job growth13.9%
Total Employment9,160
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | $46,620 | $39,440 | $57,650 |
| New Haven, CT | $46,100 | $36,890 | $58,760 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $45,670 | $37,950 | $56,170 |
| Danbury, CT | $45,160 | $36,580 | $52,490 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | $44,870 | $38,130 | $54,960 |
| Waterbury, CT | $44,650 | $37,830 | $56,900 |
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 Connecticut
- Entry-level medical assistants: In entry-level positions, medical assistants in Connecticut can expect to earn between $30,000 and $35,000 annually.
- Mid-level medical assistants: With a few years of experience, mid-level medical assistants may see salaries ranging from $35,000 to $45,000 per year.
- Experienced or specialized medical assistants: Those with significant experience or specialized skills, such as Certified Medical Assistants (CMA), may command salaries exceeding $45,000, reaching up to $50,000 or more annually.
Pay by metro area within the state of Connecticut
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 for example you work in Stamford or New Haven, which have both high profile medical facilities, Yale University and administrative headquarters, 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, Connecticut does not rank in the top 10 paying metro areas.
Factors affecting medical assisting salaries in Connecticut
Several factors influence medical assistant salaries in Connecticut. These may include:
Experience and certification:
Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) often command higher salaries, and experience in the field can contribute to increased compensation.
Geographical location:
Salaries may vary between cities in Connecticut, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher compensation.
Industry and specialty:
Medical assistants in specialized fields or high-demand specialties may receive higher salaries.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly in my medical assisting job in Connecticut?
To gauge whether you are being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Connecticut:
- Research industry standards: Do your due diligence by utilizing salary research tools, industry reports and the BLS data to understand the existing salary ranges for medical assistants in the state and in your area.
- Compare with local averages: Compare your salary with averages in your local area to account for regional variations. For example if you work for a large healthcare facility with several locations, it may not be accurate to compare your pay to a commensurate role in a small private clinic.
- Consider your experience: Evaluate your experience, certifications and skills to ensure they align with industry expectations for your salary level.
- Use your HR department: Engage with HR to seek feedback and gain insights into industry norms.
Connecticut follows federal labor laws, including minimum wage regulations set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). CT also enforces state-level equal pay and pay equity laws. If you believe your salary is unfair, you can contact the CT Department of Labor for guidance on potential recourse.
Connecticut medical assisting education and training
While formal education requirements for medical assistants in Connecticut may vary, completing a medical assistant program, often culminating in a diploma or certificate, is a common pathway. Some medical assistants may pursue additional certifications, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, to enhance their qualifications.
Cost of living considerations for CT
Connecticut is known for its relatively high cost of living, with factors like housing, transportation and healthcare contributing to overall expenses. In fact, the state has the highest per capita income in the United States, reflecting its affluent population. When evaluating salary offers, it’s essential to consider these cost-of-living factors.
RentCafe says that Connecticut’s cost of living is 16% higher than the national average, and housing is 25% higher. Take a look at how Salary.com ranks some of the major cities in CT against the national average:
| Connecticut City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | 25.4% higher |
| New Haven | 19.9% higher |
| Stamford | 55.3% higher |
| Hartford | 21.7% higher |
| Danbury | 35.5% higher |
| West Haven | 21.7% higher |
| Bristol | 15.4% higher |
Connecticut professional associations and networking
These associations may offer networking opportunities, professional development and continuing education resources, employment prospects and a supportive community for medical assistants in CT.
- Connecticut Society of Medical Assistants (CSMA): The CSMA provides networking and professional development opportunities for medical assistants in the state.
- Connecticut Association of Healthcare Executives (CTAHE): While not specific to medical assistants, CTAHE offers a broader healthcare-focused network.
Medical assistants in Connecticut contribute significantly to the state’s healthcare sector, and their salaries reflect the demand for skilled professionals in this critical role. As the healthcare landscape evolves, medical assistants play a crucial part in ensuring quality patient care and the efficient operation of medical facilities across the state.
The medical assistant salary guide for Connecticut 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 1, 2024