Medical Assistant Salary in New Mexico and How to increase it

By | July 14, 2023
Medical Assistant Salary in New Mexico
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in New Mexico include Española, Carlsbad, and Socorro. Image source: nmjc.

The medical assistant salary in New Mexico is $40,196 on the average yearly.

Española, Carlsbad, and Socorro are the top paying cities, while Kaiser Permanente, CHOC Children’s, and Sutter Health are the highest paying companies.

This post also explores the range of employee benefits available to medical assistants in New Mexico; examines salaries in related occupations, and shares effective strategies to helping medical assistants increase their income in New Mexico.

Medical Assistant Salary in New Mexico Cities

Here is salary information for medical assistants across cities in New Mexico:

 CitiesSalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Albuquerque$16.93$39,418  
2.Las Cruces$13.95$32,486
3.Rio Rancho$15.50$36,084
4.Santa Fe$18.03$41,987
5.Roswell$15.14$35,241  
6.Farmington$16.98$$39,530  
7.South Valley$14.79$34,429  
8.Clovis$13.41$31,218  
9.Hobbs$15.90$37,010  
10.Alamogordo$13.75$$32,020  
11.Carlsbad$20.75$48,301  
12.Gallup$17.63$$41,042  
13.Sunland Park$13.36$31,097  
14.Los Lunas$15.53$36,165  
15.Deming$17.65$$41,085  
16.Chaparral$15.38$35,798  
17.North Valley$14.88$34,644  
18.Las Vegas$16.72$38,927  
19.Los Alamos$17.32$40,327  
20.Artesia$18.20$42,383  
21.Portales$13.09$30,475  
22.Lovington$18.44$$42,932  
23.Bernalillo$17.98$41,853  
24.Española$26.23$61,078  
25.Silver City$15.33$35,684  
26.Anthony$13.00$30,267  
27.Grants$18.11$42,161  
28.Corrales$16.09$37,455  
29.Shiprock$16.59$38,636  
30.Socorro$18.61$$43,324  
Salaries of medical assistants across cities of New Mexico.

Cities with Highest Medical Assistant Salary in New Mexico

Here are the top 10 highest paying cities for medical assistants in New Mexico:

 CitiesSalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Española$26.23$61,078  
2.Carlsbad$20.75$48,301  
3.Socorro$18.61$$43,324  
4.Lovington$18.44$$42,932  
5.Artesia$18.20$42,383  
6.Grants$18.11$42,161  
7.Santa Fe$18.03$41,987
8.Bernalillo$17.98$41,853  
9.Deming$17.65$$41,085  
10.Gallup$17.63$$41,042  
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in New Mexico.

Skill-based Medical Assistant Salary in New Mexico

Several skills can have an impact on the salary earned by a medical assistant in New Mexico, such as:

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

Experience-based Medical Assistant Salary in New Mexico

Experience is a determining factor in the salary of medical assistants in New Mexico.

For example, medical assistants with less than one year of experience earn $37,582 in New Mexico, whereas those with 10 or more years of experience earn $47,393.

10 Companies with Highest Medical Assistant Salary in New Mexico

Here are top 10 paying companies for medical assistants in New Mexico:

 Company Hourly Salary Annual Salary
1. Kaiser Permanente $26.90 $62,640
2. CHOC Children’s $26.89 $62,597
3. Sutter Health $25.63 $59,672
4. Berman Skin Institute $25.23 $58,751
5. Medcadre Inc $24.87 $57,905
6. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health $24.72 $57,549
7. Western Washington Medical Group $24.10 $56,113
8. Community Health Care $23.59 $54,923
9. Family Health Centers of San Diego $22.87 $53,252
10. Scripps Health $22.72 $52,888
Companies that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in New Mexico.

10 Highest Paying Medical Assistant Jobs in New Mexico

Some of the top paying medical assistants jobs in New Mexico include:

  1. Medical assistant instructor; $43,481
  2. Cardiology medical assistant; $31,860
  3. Medical assistant intern; $36,970
  4. Obgyn medical assistant; $33,819
  5. Bilingual medical assistant; $37,798
  6. Medical assistant back office; $40,335
  7. Certified medical assistant; $44,299
  8. Medical office assistant; $41,852
  9. Senior medical assistant; $44,892
  10. Medical administrative assistant; $34,236.

More Benefits for Medical Assistants in New Mexico

Employers extend several benefits to medical assistants in New Mexico, recognizing their valuable contributions and supporting their needs. Some of these benefits are:

  1. Health Insurance

Employers in New Mexico may offer medical assistants access to comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

2. Retirement Plans

Medical assistants may have the option to participate in retirement plans, such as 401(k) or pension plans, to save for their future.

3. Paid Time Off

Employers often provide medical assistants with paid vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, allowing them to take time off while still receiving compensation.

4. Professional Development Opportunities

Employers may offer opportunities for medical assistants to attend conferences, workshops, or additional training programs to enhance their skills and knowledge.

5. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Medical assistants may have access to EAPs, which can provide resources and support for various personal and professional issues, including counseling services, financial advice, and legal assistance.

What Related Job Titles to Medical Assistant Earn in New Mexico

Here are job titles that are related to medical assisting and the salaries they earn in New Mexico:

  • Patient Care Technician; $44,994
  • Medical Scribe; $35,742
  • Care Coordinator; $35,148
  • Medical Receptionist; $36,002.

Medical Assistant Salary and Job Outlook in New Mexico

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in New Mexico can expect excellent job prospects, with a projected growth rate of 22.03%.

In 2016, 4,630 individuals were employed in this occupation, and it is projected to rise to 5,650 by 2026. On an annual basis, approximately 640 job openings are expected to be available. 

How to increase your Pay as a Medical Assistant in New Mexico

Here are strategies you can explore to enhance your salary as a medical assistant in New Mexico:

  1. Obtain additional certifications

Similar to other states, medical assistants in New Mexico can increase their salary potential by obtaining advanced certifications like CMA or CCMA.

2. Bilingual skills

Given the significant Spanish-speaking population in New Mexico, medical assistants who are bilingual and can effectively communicate with both English and Spanish-speaking patients may have an advantage in securing higher-paying positions.

3. Seek employment in larger healthcare facilities

Larger hospitals or healthcare organizations in New Mexico often offer more competitive salaries compared to smaller clinics or private practices.

4. Specialize in rural healthcare

New Mexico has a significant rural population, and medical assistants who specialize in rural healthcare or work in underserved areas may be eligible for higher compensation.

5. Pursue professional development opportunities

Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest medical advancements and techniques can make medical assistants more valuable to employers and potentially lead to salary increases.

More Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants in New Mexico

If you’re interested in related fields to medical assisting in New Mexico, consider exploring the following roles:

  1. Radiologic Technologist

As a radiologic technologist, you would perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

You would operate imaging equipment, position patients correctly, and collaborate with radiologists to capture high-quality images for accurate diagnoses.

2. Home Health Aide

In this role, you would provide personalized care and support to patients in their own homes.

You would assist with activities of daily living, administer medications, monitor vital signs, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients.

3. Clinical Research Coordinator

As a clinical research coordinator, you would facilitate and coordinate clinical trials and research studies.

You would recruit participants, collect and analyze data, maintain regulatory compliance, and communicate with study sponsors and investigators.

4. Medical Interpreter

In this role, you would bridge the language barrier between healthcare providers and patients who have limited English proficiency.

You would facilitate effective communication during medical consultations, ensuring accurate understanding of diagnoses, treatment plans, and patient concerns.

5. Wellness Coach

As a wellness coach, you would assist individuals in adopting healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors.

You would provide guidance on nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and overall well-being, helping clients achieve their health goals

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the average salary for medical assistants in New Mexico is beneficial for individuals entering the profession.

Medical assistants in New Mexico can explore opportunities to specialize in areas such as phlebotomy or medical coding, as these skills are often in high demand and can lead to higher salaries.

Additionally, pursuing further education and certifications, such as becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), can demonstrate expertise and potentially result in higher earning potential.

By actively seeking career advancement, gaining specialized skills, and continuously expanding their knowledge, medical assistants in New Mexico can work towards increasing their pay and advancing their careers.


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