Medical Assistant Salary in Montana and How to increase your Pay

By | July 14, 2023
Medical Assistant Salary in Montana and How to increase your Pay
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Montana include Sidney, Dillon, and Helena Valley Southeast. Image source: umt.

The medical assistant salary in Montana is $47,027 per year.

Cities that pay the most salaries to medical assistants in Montana are Sidney, Dillon, and Helena Valley Southeast, while the best paying companies are CHOC Children’s, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health.

This article also discusses the salaries of professionals in related fields, employee benefits, and tips to augmenting one’s salary as a medical assistant in Montana.

Pharmacy Technician Salary in Montana Cities

Here is salary information for medical assistant across cities in Montana:

CitySalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Billings$18.96$44,186
2.Missoula$20.18$$46,982
3.Great Falls$19.07$44,401
4.Bozeman$19.32$44,985
5.Silver Bow$20.72$48,234
6.Helena$19.77$46,024
7.Kalispell$19.87$46,267
8.Havre$16.37$38,120
9.Belgrade$18.00$41,909
10.Anaconda-Deer Lodge County$20.20$47,027  
11.Helena Valley Southeast$25.77$59,998
12.Evergreen$21.53$50,127  
13.Miles City$20.32$47,321
14.Lockwood$19.68$45,831
15.Helena Valley West Central$21.60$50,288    
16.Whitefish$19.39$45,149  
17.Livingston$17.26$40,176
18.Laurel$17.22$40,087
19.Sidney$29.05$67,625
20.Lewistown$14.58$33,953
21Columbia Falls$17.65$41,087
22.Orchard Homes$25.03$58,275  
23.Polson$16.85$39,240
24.Glendive$18.85$43,887
25Four Corners$18.91$44,039
26.Hamilton$19.55$45,518
27.Browning$19.06$44,383
28.Dillon$28.91$67,318
29.Helena Valley Northwest$25.19$58,646
30.Crow Agency$19.40$45,163
Salaries of medical assistants across cities of Montana.

Cities with Highest Medical Assistant Salary in Montana

Here are top 10 paying cities for medical assistant in Montana:

CitySalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Sidney$29.05$67,625
2.Dillon$28.91$67,318
3.Helena Valley Southeast$25.77$59,998
4.Helena Valley Northwest$25.19$58,646
5.Orchard Homes$25.03$58,275  
6.Helena Valley West Central$21.60$50,288    
7.Evergreen$21.53$50,127  
8.Silver Bow$20.72$48,234
9.Miles City$20.32$47,321
10.Anaconda-Deer Lodge County$20.20$47,027  
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Montana.

Skill-based Medical Assistant Salary in Montana

There are skills that contribute in varying degrees the total salary one earns as a medical assistant in Montana, these include:

  • Dissection; +37.07%
  • Clinical Trials; +12.33%
  • Family Planning; +47.19%
  • Epic; +9.16%
  • Data Collection; +7.55%.

Experience-based Medical Assistant Salary in Montana

Experience is a determinant as well when it comes to salary for medical assistants in Montana.

A medical assistant in Montana with less than one year experience earns $43,970 while one with 10 or more years of experience will make $55,448.

10 Companies with Highest Paying Medical Assistant Salary in Montana

Here are some of the top paying companies for medical assistants in Montana:

Company Hourly Salary Annual Salary
CHOC Children’s $27.60 $64,255
Kaiser Permanente $26.98 $62,813
Sutter Health $26.40 $61,458
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health $24.72 $57,549
Berman Skin Institute $24.57 $57,216
MWIDM Inc. $24.17 $56,281
Western Washington Medical Group $24.14 $56,205
Community Health Care $23.57 $54,886
TotalWellness $23.24 $54,117
Family Health Centers of San Diego $22.84 $53,185
Companies that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Montana.

10 Highest Paying Medical Assistant Jobs in Montana

Some of the top paying medical assistant jobs in Montana include:

  1. Medical assistant intern; $35,318
  2. Bilingual medical assistant; $32,500
  3. Medical administrative assistant; $39,437
  4. Obgyn medical assistant; $37,100
  5. Travel medical assistant; $52,753
  6. Medical assistant back office; $42,314
  7. Certified medical assistant; $53,612
  8. Medical office assistant; $44,157
  9. Senior medical assistant; $48,153
  10. Medical assistant instructor; $42,530.

More Benefits for Medical Assistants in Montana

Here are some of the benefits available to medical assistants in Montana:

  1. Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits

Many medical assistant positions in Montana offer comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

These benefits help ensure that medical assistants and their families receive the necessary medical care and support.

2. Retirement Plans

Medical assistants in Montana may have access to retirement plans, such as 401(k) or pension plans.

These plans allow medical assistants to save for their future and enjoy financial security during their retirement years.

3. Continuing Education Opportunities

Montana often provides medical assistants with opportunities for ongoing professional development and continuing education.

This could include access to workshops, conferences, and training programs, which help medical assistants stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and improve their skills.

4. Paid Time Off

Medical assistants in Montana can enjoy the benefit of paid time off, which allows them to take time away from work for personal reasons, such as vacations, family commitments, or illness, while still receiving their regular salary.

This paid time off provides medical assistants with the opportunity to rest, recharge, and attend to their personal needs, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and work-life balance.

What Related Job Titles to Medical Assistants Earn in Montana

  • Patient Care Technician; $58,560
  • Medical Scribe; $38,223
  • Care Coordinator $36,971
  • Medical receptionist; $38,510.

Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in Montana

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for medical assistants in

Montana is highly favorable at 28%.

There were 1250 employed in 2016 and it is forecasted to climb to 1600 by 2026. Approximately 180 job openings are available annually.

How to increase your Pay as a Medical Assistant in Montana

Consider implementing these suggestions to leverage your potential for a higher salary as a medical assistant in the State of Montana:

  1. Acquire Additional Skills

Medical assistants in Montana can expand their skill set by learning additional skills, such as phlebotomy, electrocardiography ECG/EKG), or medical coding.

These additional skills can make medical assistants more versatile and marketable, potentially leading to higher-paying job opportunities.

2. Pursue Continuing Education

Medical assistants in Montana can pursue continuing education courses or certifications to enhance their knowledge and expertise.

This can include courses in medical billing and coding, medical office management, or advanced clinical skills.

Employers may value these additional qualifications and offer higher compensation.

3. Explore Government or Public Health Settings

Medical assistants in Montana can consider employment opportunities in government healthcare facilities or public health settings.

These settings often offer competitive salaries and benefits packages for medical assistants, as well as opportunities for career growth.

4. Join Professional Associations

Becoming a member of professional associations such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) can provide networking opportunities, access to job boards, and resources for career advancement.

These connections can lead to higher-paying job opportunities.

Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants in Montana

If you are considering transitioning into a related field in Montana with a medical assisting background, the following positions may align with your interests and skills:

  1. Pharmacy Technician

A pharmacy technician plays a vital role in the healthcare system by assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing valuable support to patients.

Their responsibilities may include preparing prescription medications, measuring and packaging medications, maintaining medication inventory, processing insurance claims, and assisting customers with their medication-related inquiries.

Pharmacy technicians work in various settings such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and mail-order pharmacies.

They must possess strong attention to detail, knowledge of pharmaceutical terminology, good organizational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

2. Chiropractic Assistant

As a chiropractic assistant, you would work alongside chiropractors in clinics or private practices to provide administrative and clinical support.

Your responsibilities may include scheduling appointments, managing patient records, billing and insurance processing, assisting with therapies or treatments, and providing general office support.

Chiropractic assistants often interact closely with patients, helping to create a welcoming and comfortable environment.

They should have excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge of chiropractic procedures, and the ability to multitask efficiently.

More Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants in Montana

3. Podiatric Assistant

Podiatric assistants work alongside podiatrists, specializing in foot and ankle care. They provide administrative and clinical support in podiatry clinics or surgical centers.

Clinical duties may include taking patient histories, preparing treatment rooms, assisting with procedures or surgeries, applying dressings or orthotics, and educating patients on foot care.

Administrative tasks may involve scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and handling billing and insurance processing.

Podiatric assistants should have knowledge of foot anatomy, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical setting.

4. Patient Care Coordinator

A patient care coordinator is responsible for coordinating and managing patient care within a healthcare facility.

They act as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and administrative staff, ensuring a smooth and efficient care experience.

Patient care coordinators schedule appointments, coordinate referrals to specialists, assist with insurance authorizations, address patient inquiries, and maintain accurate patient records.

They also play a crucial role in ensuring quality and continuity of care by following up on patient treatments and facilitating communication among the healthcare team.

Strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a patient-centered approach are essential for success in this role.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the salary of medical assistants in Montana reflects their valuable contributions to the healthcare industry.

While the average salary sets a baseline, there are several avenues to increase your pay as a medical assistant in the State.

By acquiring additional skills, investing in continuous education, seeking a government or public sector roles, you can enhance your earning potential.

Information sources: salary.com, indeed.com, and bls.gov.