Which medical assistant gets paid the most?
Which medical assistant gets paid the most?
The highest-paid medical assistants are those who work in specialized medical fields or major hospital systems and hold advanced certifications. Pay depends on experience, location, and specialty, but in New York City and other large markets, top earners can make $70,000 or more per year.
Here’s a breakdown of the medical assistant roles that earn the most:
1. Specialty Medical Assistants
Working in a specialty clinic typically brings higher pay than general family practice or internal medicine.
Top-paying specialties include:
Cardiology: Assists with EKGs, stress tests, and heart monitoring. Average pay: $60,000–$70,000.
Dermatology: Handles skin procedures, laser treatments, and biopsies. Average pay: $58,000–$68,000.
Orthopedics: Prepares patients for casts and X-rays, assists with post-surgical care. Average pay: $60,000+.
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery: Works with surgical prep and post-op care. Often earns $65,000+.
Oncology: Supports complex cancer treatment schedules. Pay can exceed $70,000 in large hospitals.
2. Hospital and Surgical Medical Assistants
Medical assistants who work in hospital settings or surgical centers earn more because of the complexity of procedures and higher responsibility.
Pay ranges from $55,000–$75,000 annually in major hospitals like Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, and NewYork-Presbyterian.
Overnight and weekend shifts offer higher pay, often with union benefits and overtime.
3. Lead or Senior Medical Assistants
After a few years of experience, medical assistants can become lead MAs or clinical coordinators, supervising other staff and managing office operations.
Salary range: $65,000–$80,000+ depending on the size of the clinic.
4. Certified and Multi-Skilled Medical Assistants
Employers pay more for MAs who hold multiple certifications, such as:
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Additional certifications in phlebotomy, EKG, or medical billing can raise pay by 10–20 percent.
5. Medical Assistants in High-Cost Cities
Location matters. In New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, salaries are highest due to cost of living and demand.
NYC MAs working in top hospitals earn $60,000–$75,000 annually, with specialists sometimes earning more than $80,000 when overtime and bonuses are included.
Summary
Highest-paid medical assistants = Certified + Specialized + Experienced + Hospital-based.
If you want to maximize your pay:
Get certified (CMA, RMA, or CCMA).
Work in a high-paying specialty.
Choose a large city or hospital system.
Take extra shifts or supervisory roles.
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