In short
Medical administrative assistants, called medical secretaries and administrative assistants by BLS, usually need a high school diploma and learn on the job, though short certificate programs help. They schedule appointments, check patients in, manage records and handle insurance tasks. The May 2025 median pay was $45,930, with about 89,200 openings a year.
| Median pay | $45,930 a year, about $22.08 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Typical way in | High school or GED, plus moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Jobs in the U.S. | About 979,000 (2025) |
| Outlook, 2025 to 2035 | Projected growth of 4.8% |
| Openings each year | About 89,200 on average, including replacements |
| Helpful credential | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), from NHA |
| Where they work | Doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 and May 2025 wages, BLS. National figures; pay where you live can be higher or lower, and starting pay is lower than the median.
The job
Phones, schedules, insurance checks, records, and many patient questions. You are often the first and last person a patient sees. Organization and a calm voice go a long way.
Questions people ask
Do I need a certificate to be a medical admin assistant?
Not always, but a short program or certification can help you get hired.
Is this a good job after retail?
Yes, customer service skills transfer well.
Can I move up from here?
Yes, into billing, coding, office management or clinical roles with more training.