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Guide to medical assistant salaries in Georgia

Medical assistants in Georgia play a pivotal role in healthcare delivery, providing critical support to medical professionals and ensuring the smooth operation of healthcare facilities. Their responsibilities span both administrative tasks and direct patient care, making them integral to the healthcare system.

One primary aspect that job seekers and professionals often consider is the salary associated with their roles. This article unravels the intricate salary dynamics for medical assistants in the state, providing a comprehensive overview that encompasses median salaries, notable employers, influencing factors, educational requirements and the thriving economic and healthcare environment making Georgia an appealing destination for medical assistants.

Overview of MA pay in GA

There are roughly 25,160 people employed as medical assistants in Georgia says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that out of every 1,000 people in the state, around five are medical assistants. The median wage per hour is $18 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 13.9%.

Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of Georgia include:

Medical assistant salary Georgia statistics

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:

Factors affecting medical assistant salaries in Georgia

Several factors influence medical assistant salaries in Georgia, including experience, education, certifications and the specific geographical location within the state. Employment settings, such as hospitals, private practices or specialty clinics, also contribute to salary variations.

Reasons why Georgia is ideal for medical assistants:

• Tax benefits: Georgia offers various tax breaks and incentives, contributing to a favorable financial environment for medical assistants.
• Highly rated medical facilities: The state is home to nationally renowned medical facilities, providing medical assistants with opportunities to work in top-rated healthcare institutions.
• Diverse work settings: From bustling urban centers to tranquil rural areas, Georgia offers medical assistants diverse settings to choose from based on their preferences.

How can I know if I am being paid fairly in my medical assistant job in Georgia?

There are steps you can take if you feel you are being paid differently from others who are performing the same duties as you. Georgia enforces the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and also provides for non-discriminative pay under other federal laws, including EEOC and USDOL.

To assess whether you are being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Georgia:

• Research industry standards: Utilize salary research tools and recruitment websites such as Indeed or LinkedIn and use BLS data to understand the existing salary ranges for medical assistants in the state and in your town or city.

• Compare your salary with commensurate work facilities: Compare your salary with those of people who work in the same size hospital or clinic. Comparing a salary in a large healthcare facility to a small private clinic would likely not be a fair or accurate representation.
  
• Consider your experience: Evaluate your experience and education to ensure they align with industry expectations for your salary level and workplace
  
• Ask your HR department: Ask HR to seek feedback and gain insights into industry norms and how your place of work pays.

If you believe your salary is not up to industry standards for your level of experience and duties, you can contact the Georgia Department of Labor for guidance on next steps.

Education and training for medical assisting in GA

While you may be able to find work as a medical assistant with a high school diploma, most employers prefer some sort of completion of an accredited education program.

A medical assistant program in Georgia usually leads to a certificate or diploma, which can take about nine months to a year to complete. An associate degree in medical assisting is another pathway. With an associate degree, you can earn college credits that may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree later. It takes two years of full-time study to earn an associate degree. Professional certification, such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), not only enhances skills but may also contribute to career advancement and higher earning potential.

Cost of living considerations for GA

Georgia is known for its relatively low cost of living (10% lower says RentCafe) compared to the national average. The cost of living index generally takes into consideration housing, food, utilities and healthcare costs, which are also gauged separately.

RentCafe says Atlanta has a slightly higher cost of living than the national average, but for the most part Georgia’s other major cities are very liveable. Take a look at how some of the major cities in GA rank against the national average:

Georgia City	Cost of living %
Atlanta	1% higher
Athens	6% lower
Columbus	9% lower
Macon	12% lower
Valdosta	8% lower
Savannah	10% lower

Georgia professional associations and networking

Professional groups and associations may offer networking opportunities, continuing education programs, certification exam prep, job boards and a supportive community of peers.

Here is a Georgia-based group specifically for medical assistants:

• Georgia Society of Medical Assistants (GSMA): GSMA is a state chapter of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It provides networking opportunities, continuing education and advocacy for medical assistants in GA.

Choosing Georgia as a workplace for medical assistants is not just a career decision; it’s an investment in a state that values healthcare excellence. With competitive salaries, diverse employment opportunities and a supportive economic and healthcare environment, Georgia emerges as an ideal destination for medical assistants seeking a fulfilling and prosperous professional journey.

The medical assistant salary guide for Georgia 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.

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