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When first starting as an entry-level medical administrative assistant, how is the pay? Did you have to pick up another job while trying to progress your career?
I'm currently enrolled in the San Jose JobCorp program and am in a split decision between going the security route or going with medical admin assistant.
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2 answers
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lando,
Medical Administrative Assistant is a good career with good job security. The average salary is around $43000 but will vary with experience, location, certification and special skills. The lowest 10% earn about $32000, the highest $58000. San Diego is a high-paying city, and average salaries are around $50000.
I have added some more resources for you below.
Good luck!
KP
https://www.stepful.com/post/how-to-become-a-medical-administrative-assistant
https://www.indeed.com/career/medical-administrative-assistant/salaries
Medical Administrative Assistant is a good career with good job security. The average salary is around $43000 but will vary with experience, location, certification and special skills. The lowest 10% earn about $32000, the highest $58000. San Diego is a high-paying city, and average salaries are around $50000.
I have added some more resources for you below.
Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
I should add that San Diego is a high-paying city because it's a high cost-of-living city. If you need to find supplemental income depends on your lifestyle and obligations. A salary goes a lot further if you still live with your family and are willing to prioritize your education for now. Housing and commuting costs will eat into your money.
Karin P.
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Alright, Lando! Let’s keep this practical, fun, and maybe even a little entertaining. First, I agree with James and Karin—their advice is solid. But let’s sprinkle in some fresh perspective, tips, and humor while agreeing with their sage wisdom.
---
1. The Pay—Reality Check (and Humor Check)
Yes, the $20–$25/hour ballpark is accurate, especially in San Jose, where the cost of living laughs in your face daily. Entry-level medical admin assistant pay isn’t going to make you Jeff Bezos, but it’s stable and comes with great career potential.
Here’s the fun part: Your hourly rate can increase faster than your caffeine intake during Monday morning shifts. As you gain certifications, like medical billing/coding or HIPAA compliance, employers will start throwing more cash at you. They need skilled people like you.
Pro Tip: While James suggested Glassdoor for salary insights (smart move), also check sites like Payscale or Indeed. They’ll help you scope out specific job offers in your area. And hey, you might even spot a role that screams “Hire Lando!”
---
2. Security vs. Medical Admin—Battle Royale
Let’s get real: Both options have pros, so this decision comes down to your personality and goals.
Security Route:
Action-packed and great for people who love being active.
You might get to channel your inner superhero, but also risk dealing with occasional chaos.
The ceiling for growth depends on certifications (think law enforcement or private security roles).
Medical Admin Route:
Stability? Check.
Helping others? Double-check.
Opportunities to grow into leadership, billing, or health information tech? Triple-check.
And the best part? Nobody’s trying to sneak into the waiting room like it’s a concert venue.
If you love helping people, medical admin assistant is a great fit—and don’t forget, you can always explore hybrid options like hospital security if both call to you.
---
3. Tools and Tricks to Get Ahead (AKA Lando’s Secret Arsenal)
Now, here’s where I one-up the other advice with some practical and fun ideas:
Stack Certifications: James mentioned AAMA (great call), but also consider:
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) through the National Healthcareer Association.
Medical Terminology Courses (free ones exist online—Google them).
CPR Certification (because being a literal lifesaver never hurts).
Be a Software Wizard: Master healthcare software like Epic or Cerner—these systems are the bread and butter of medical admin jobs. Employers will fight over you like it’s Black Friday at Best Buy.
Learn to Love Multitasking: A big part of this role is juggling phones, emails, and patient charts all at once. Practice now by trying to watch Netflix, scroll TikTok, and answer a random email simultaneously.
---
4. Why Your Personality Makes a Difference
You mentioned you’ve got passion and work ethic, and let me tell you, that’s half the battle. Pair that with your love of helping people, and you’re golden. Patients and coworkers will love you because you’re the glue that keeps everything running.
And when times get tough (because let’s face it, some days will be tough), remember this:
You’re learning skills that are always in demand.
Healthcare won’t go out of style (unlike those jeans you wore in high school).
Every day, you’re making a difference, even if it’s behind the scenes.
---
5. Keep the Fun Alive
Lando, the secret to thriving in any career is to keep the energy fun and light:
Befriend coworkers—office potlucks and random coffee runs make the day 10x better.
Celebrate wins, big or small. Finished entering a mountain of patient data? Treat yourself to a fancy latte or your favorite taco truck.
Always be curious—ask questions, learn from others, and keep your vibe positive.
---
Final Advice
Take James and Karin’s advice to heart (it’s great), but also add your personal flair to this journey. Go all in with certifications, network like a pro, and pick the career that aligns with your passion for helping people. Whether you’re rocking scrubs or a security uniform, you’ve got the mindset to crush it.
And hey, if you ever find yourself stuck or need more laughs, come back—I’m rooting for you! Lando, future medical admin rockstar (or security legend), the choice is yours.
---
1. The Pay—Reality Check (and Humor Check)
Yes, the $20–$25/hour ballpark is accurate, especially in San Jose, where the cost of living laughs in your face daily. Entry-level medical admin assistant pay isn’t going to make you Jeff Bezos, but it’s stable and comes with great career potential.
Here’s the fun part: Your hourly rate can increase faster than your caffeine intake during Monday morning shifts. As you gain certifications, like medical billing/coding or HIPAA compliance, employers will start throwing more cash at you. They need skilled people like you.
Pro Tip: While James suggested Glassdoor for salary insights (smart move), also check sites like Payscale or Indeed. They’ll help you scope out specific job offers in your area. And hey, you might even spot a role that screams “Hire Lando!”
---
2. Security vs. Medical Admin—Battle Royale
Let’s get real: Both options have pros, so this decision comes down to your personality and goals.
Security Route:
Action-packed and great for people who love being active.
You might get to channel your inner superhero, but also risk dealing with occasional chaos.
The ceiling for growth depends on certifications (think law enforcement or private security roles).
Medical Admin Route:
Stability? Check.
Helping others? Double-check.
Opportunities to grow into leadership, billing, or health information tech? Triple-check.
And the best part? Nobody’s trying to sneak into the waiting room like it’s a concert venue.
If you love helping people, medical admin assistant is a great fit—and don’t forget, you can always explore hybrid options like hospital security if both call to you.
---
3. Tools and Tricks to Get Ahead (AKA Lando’s Secret Arsenal)
Now, here’s where I one-up the other advice with some practical and fun ideas:
Stack Certifications: James mentioned AAMA (great call), but also consider:
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) through the National Healthcareer Association.
Medical Terminology Courses (free ones exist online—Google them).
CPR Certification (because being a literal lifesaver never hurts).
Be a Software Wizard: Master healthcare software like Epic or Cerner—these systems are the bread and butter of medical admin jobs. Employers will fight over you like it’s Black Friday at Best Buy.
Learn to Love Multitasking: A big part of this role is juggling phones, emails, and patient charts all at once. Practice now by trying to watch Netflix, scroll TikTok, and answer a random email simultaneously.
---
4. Why Your Personality Makes a Difference
You mentioned you’ve got passion and work ethic, and let me tell you, that’s half the battle. Pair that with your love of helping people, and you’re golden. Patients and coworkers will love you because you’re the glue that keeps everything running.
And when times get tough (because let’s face it, some days will be tough), remember this:
You’re learning skills that are always in demand.
Healthcare won’t go out of style (unlike those jeans you wore in high school).
Every day, you’re making a difference, even if it’s behind the scenes.
---
5. Keep the Fun Alive
Lando, the secret to thriving in any career is to keep the energy fun and light:
Befriend coworkers—office potlucks and random coffee runs make the day 10x better.
Celebrate wins, big or small. Finished entering a mountain of patient data? Treat yourself to a fancy latte or your favorite taco truck.
Always be curious—ask questions, learn from others, and keep your vibe positive.
---
Final Advice
Take James and Karin’s advice to heart (it’s great), but also add your personal flair to this journey. Go all in with certifications, network like a pro, and pick the career that aligns with your passion for helping people. Whether you’re rocking scrubs or a security uniform, you’ve got the mindset to crush it.
And hey, if you ever find yourself stuck or need more laughs, come back—I’m rooting for you! Lando, future medical admin rockstar (or security legend), the choice is yours.