Medical Assisting Education & Careers
Guide to medical assisting salaries in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania boasts a thriving healthcare sector, fueled by world-class medical facilities and a commitment to advancing patient care. The state’s diverse population and varied healthcare needs contribute to a demand for skilled medical assistants, creating a job market that goes beyond the ordinary.
Overview of MA pay in PA
There are roughly 24,250 people employed as medical assistants in Pennsylvania says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Considering the size of the state, this number is fairly low and equates to about four people in every 1,000 working as a medical assistant. The median wage per hour for medical assistants in Pennsylvania is $19 says the BLS, and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 13.9%.
Here are five top employers of medical assistants in the state:
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC): Pittsburgh, PA. UPMC is a renowned academic medical center offering comprehensive healthcare services, including specialties like organ transplantation, cancer care and cardiovascular medicine, making it a good place for medical assistants looking to specialize.
- Penn Medicine: Philadelphia, PA. As the medical arm of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine is a leader in research and patient care, covering a broad spectrum of medical specialties.
- Geisinger Health System: Danville, PA. Geisinger is known for its integrated healthcare delivery model and offers services ranging from primary care to specialized medical and surgical treatments.
- St. Luke’s University Health Network: Bethlehem, PA. St. Luke’s is a regional health network providing a variety of medical services, including cardiovascular care, orthopedics and women’s health.
- Jefferson Health: Philadelphia, PA. Jefferson Health is a comprehensive healthcare system with a focus on education, research and patient-centered care, offering services in various medical disciplines.
How much do medical assistants make in PA?
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 professional certifications you have earned and your level of medical assisting education. Here’s how medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assistant salary in Pennsylvania
The median annual salary for medical assisting professionals in Pennsylvania rests at $39,480, just lower than the national median. It’s also important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state. You should also consider the cost of living in Pennsylvania, because even though salaries are slightly lower, the cost of living is also lower so your salary may go further.
You should also remember that medical assistants in Pennsylvania may receive benefits such as health insurance, a 401k plan and vacation time off.
10%$34,680
25%$36,660
50%$39,480Median
75%$46,080
90%$53,650
Median Hourly Wage$19
Job growth13.9%
Total Employment24,250
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $44,700 | $36,490 | $55,360 |
| Reading, PA | $41,600 | $36,320 | $52,040 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $39,530 | $35,940 | $49,270 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | $39,470 | $36,330 | $46,360 |
| Lancaster, PA | $38,260 | $34,710 | $48,180 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | $38,240 | $34,740 | $45,420 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $38,240 | $35,440 | $48,590 |
| York-Hanover, PA | $38,160 | $34,920 | $47,650 |
| Lebanon, PA | $37,950 | $34,690 | $47,260 |
| State College, PA | $37,720 | $34,990 | $46,670 |
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 Pennsylvania
For medical assistants in Pennsylvania, the salary ranges are comparable. Entry-level positions typically start between $34,000 to $36,000 per year, while experienced professionals in senior roles can earn salaries surpassing $53,000 annually, says the BLS. This reflects the state’s recognition of the crucial role medical assistants play in the healthcare system.
Pay by metro area within the state of Pennsylvania
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 has several high profile, university-affiliated medical facilities, such as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or Bethlehem, 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, Philadelphia doesn’t rank in the top 10 for pay, however the BLS says Philadelphia ranks at #10 for highest employment of medical assistants in the country while Pike County, PA, is an impressive #1 (along with New York City, NY, Newark and Jersey City, NJ) for highest employment.
Factors affecting medical assisting salaries in Pennsylvania
Several factors influence the pay of medical assistants in Pennsylvania. Understanding these factors can help individuals assess their earning potential and make informed decisions about their career paths. Here are key factors that impact pay for medical assistants in Pennsylvania:
Experience: As in many professions, experience plays a significant role in determining pay. Medical assistants with more years of relevant experience often command higher salaries. Experienced professionals may also be eligible for senior roles or supervisory positions, which generally come with increased compensation.
Education: The level of education and certification can impact pay. Medical assistants who have completed formal education programs, such as those with an associate degree or a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, may receive higher salaries than those without formal training or certification. Employers often value the additional knowledge and skills gained through education and certification.
Location: The geographic location within Pennsylvania can influence pay due to variations in the cost of living and demand for healthcare services. Urban areas, such as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, may offer higher salaries compared to rural areas. Additionally, healthcare facilities in areas with a shortage of medical professionals may offer competitive compensation to attract and retain qualified staff.
Employer type and size: The type and size of the employer can impact pay. Large healthcare systems, academic medical centers and specialty clinics may offer higher salaries than smaller physician practices. Government healthcare facilities and nonprofit organizations may also have different salary structures compared to private sector employers.
Specialization and skills: Medical assistants with specialized skills or knowledge in specific areas of healthcare may command higher pay. For example, those with expertise in electronic health records (EHRs), phlebotomy or other specialized procedures may receive increased compensation. Continuous skill development through additional certifications can also contribute to higher pay.
Negotiation skills: The ability to negotiate salary and benefits during the hiring process can impact overall compensation. Medical assistants who are skilled negotiators and effectively communicate their value to the employer may secure more favorable salary packages.
Industry trends: Changes in the healthcare industry and shifts in demand for specific services can impact pay. Medical assistants in high-demand specialties or areas of healthcare may see higher salaries due to increased competition for their skills.
Union representation: In some cases, medical assistants working in healthcare facilities with union representation may have standardized salary structures and negotiated pay scales. Unionized environments can influence pay rates and benefits for medical assistants. Of note is Pennsylvania is above the norm for union membership compared to other states says the BLS.
Economic conditions: Overall economic conditions, both nationally and within Pennsylvania, can influence pay. Economic growth, inflation rates and healthcare policy changes may have indirect effects on compensation structures in the healthcare sector.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Pennsylvania?
To ensure fair compensation, medical assistants in Pennsylvania can refer to salary surveys from reputable sources like the BLS. Additionally, staying informed about industry standards and seeking guidance from professional organizations can help in negotiating competitive salaries. If you’re in a union, your union rep can help you determine a fair wage.
Pennsylvania adheres to federal equal pay and labor laws, ensuring that employees are not discriminated against based on gender, race or other protected characteristics. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry is a valuable resource for understanding and enforcing these laws.
Education and training for medical assisting in PA
To become a medical assistant in Pennsylvania, individuals typically need to complete a medical assisting program at a community college, vocational school, college or technical institute. These programs provide a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates for the diverse responsibilities of a medical assistant.
Career advancement through certification
Professional certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, is a recognized pathway for career advancement in Pennsylvania. While experience and additional education can contribute to growth, certification adds a layer of credibility and can open doors to higher-paying positions and specialized roles.
Cost of living considerations for PA
RentCafe says that Pennsylvania’s cost of living is 2% lower than the national average, with housing at 13% lower and healthcare costs at 3% lower, making it a great state for medical assistants to work in. Take a look at the cost of living for some individual cities where there may be medical assisting job opportunities:
| Pennsylvania City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 4% higher |
| Pittsburgh | 0% even |
| Erie | 10% lower |
| Allentown | 6% higher |
| Harrisburg | 2% higher |
| Scranton | 7% lower |
| Indiana | 8% lower |
Professional associations and networking in PA
Medical assistants in Pennsylvania can benefit from joining state-specific professional organizations like the Pennsylvania Society of Medical Assistants which is the state’s chapter of the AAMA. These organizations provide networking opportunities, access to continuing education and a platform to stay informed about industry trends.
Pennsylvania beckons with opportunities for professional fulfillment for medical assistants. To begin your journey, explore the available education offerings across Pennsylvania, dive into specialized training and consider the impact of professional certification on your career. Your path to success may start with the right education, and Pennsylvania may provide a solid foundation for your growth. Seize the moment and take the first step toward your career in medical assisting by researching schools and programs online or in the Keystone State.
This medical assistant salary guide for Pennsylvania 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 5, 2024