Medical Assistant Salary in Virginia and How to increase it

By | July 8, 2023
Medical Assistant Salary in Virginia
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Virginia include Linton Hall, Arlington, and McLean.

The medical assistant salary in Virginia is $42,695 per year.

Linton Hall, Arlington, and McLean are cities that present the highest earning potential for medical assistants in Virginia, while companies like Kaiser Permanente, CHOC Children’s, and Sutter Health are renowned for their generous compensation packages.

Additionally, this article encompasses discussions on employee benefits, salaries in related sectors, and effective techniques for augmenting one’s income as a medical assistant in Virginia.

Medical Assistant Salary across Virginia Cities

Here is salary information for Medical Assistant across cities in Virginia:

CitySalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Virginia Beach$16.51$38,430
2.Chesapeake$16.09$37,473
3.Arlington$20.97$48,821
4.Norfolk$16.96$39,496
5.Richmond$18.56$43,202
6.Newport News$17.23$40,127
7Alexandria$19.44$45,266
8.Hampton$16.96$39,497
9.Roanoke$16.52$38,459
10.Portsmouth$15.89$36,991
11.Suffolk$15.88$36,961
12.Lynchburg$16.29$37,921  
13.Centreville$18.75$43,656
14.Dale City$18.83$43,840
15.Reston$19.87$46,273
16.Harrisonburg$16.30$37,941
17.Leesburg$20.03$46,643
18.McLean$20.16$46,935
19Tuckahoe$18.49$43,057
20.Charlottesville$18.73$43,618
21.Lake Ridge$17.97$41,844
22.Blacksburg$16.28$37,898  
23.Ashburn$19.32$$44,972
24.Burke$18.81$43,784
25Manassas$18.49$44,104
26.Woodbridge$18.66$43,444  
27.Annandale$18.84$$43,853
28.Danville$14.44$33,611
29.Linton Hall$25.13$58,505
30.Mechanicsville$18.55$43,186
Salaries of medical assistants across cities of Virginia

Cities with Highest Medical Assistant Salary in Virginia

Here are top 10 paying cities for medical assistants in Virginia:

CitySalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Linton Hall$25.13$58,505
2.Arlington$20.97$48,821
3.McLean$20.16$46,935
4.Leesburg$20.03$46,643
5.Reston$19.87$46,273
6.Alexandria$19.44$45,266
7.Ashburn$19.32$$44,972
8.Annandale$18.84$$43,853
9.Dale City$18.83$43,840
10.Burke$18.81$43,784
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Virginia

Skill-based Medical Assistant Salary in Virginia

Specific skills are instrumental in determining a medical assistant’s final compensation in Virginia:

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

Experience-based Medical Assistant Salary in Virginia

In Virginia, salary variation in medical assisting is influenced by the level of experience.

Medical assistants with less than one year of experience usually earn around $39,919 per year, while those with 10 or more years of experience can anticipate an annual income of approximately $50,340.

10 Highest Paying Companies for Medical Assistant in Virginia

Here are top 10 paying companies for medical assistants in Virginia:

 CompanyHourly SalaryAnnual Salary
1.Kaiser Permanente$26.82$62,450
2.CHOC Children’s$26.24$61,097
3.Sutter Health$25.78$60,024
4.Virginia Mason Franciscan Health$25.00$58,211
5.Berman Skin Institute$24.70$57,515
6.Western Washington Medical Group$24.04$55,976
7.Community Health Care$23.64$55,042
8.Virginia Heart$23.08$53,728
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 Virginia

10 Highest Paying Medical Assistant Jobs in Virginia

Here are some of the top paying medical assistant jobs in Virginia:

  1. Dermatology medical assistant; $38,479
  2. Obgyn medical assistant $36,974
  3. Cardiology medical assistant; $34,926
  4. Medical assistant back office; $43,361
  5. Medical assistant instructor; $46,856
  6. Medical assistant intern; $47,883
  7. Certified medical assistant; $41,755
  8. Medical office assistant; $39,087
  9. Medical administrative assistant; $38,144
  10. Senior medical assistant; $44,982.

More Benefits for Medical Assistants in Virginia

Let’s delve into the employee benefits that medical assistants may receive:

  1. Health Insurance

Many employers in Virginia provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for medical assistants, including medical, dental, and vision plans.

This benefit helps cover healthcare expenses and ensures access to necessary medical services.

2. Retirement Plans

Medical assistants in Virginia may have access to retirement plans such as 401(k) or 403(b) with employer matching contributions.

These plans help employees save for their future and provide financial security during retirement.

3. Paid Time Off (PTO)

Employers in Virginia often offer generous PTO benefits, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

This allows medical assistants to take time off for rest, relaxation, personal appointments, or to care for their own or their family’s health needs.

4. Professional Development

Many healthcare facilities in Virginia support the professional growth of their medical assistants by providing opportunities for continuing education, attending conferences, and participating in training programs.

This benefit allows medical assistants to expand their knowledge and skills, enhancing their career prospects.

5. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

EAPs are often available to medical assistants in Virginia, offering confidential counseling and support services for various personal and work-related challenges.

These programs provide resources to address mental health, stress management, financial concerns, and other issues, promoting overall well-being.

What Related Job Titles to Medical Assistant Earn in Virginia

Here are job titles related to medical assisting and their salaries:

  • Patient Care Technician; $50,134
  • Medical Scribe; $36,141
  • Care Coordinator; $42,298
  • Medical Receptionist; $39,563.

Medical Assistant Job and Salary Outlook in Virginia

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, medical assistants in Virginia can anticipate a highly favorable job outlook, with a projected growth rate of 34.60%.

The number of individuals employed in this profession was 12,600 in 2016, and it is expected to reach 16,960 by 2026. Furthermore, approximately 1,990 job openings are anticipated annually.

How to increase your Pay as a Medical Assistant in Virginia

Take steps towards increasing your earning power in Virginia as a medical assistant with these recommendations:

  1. Obtain Specialty Certifications

Pursue specialized certifications, such as Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) or Certified Podiatric Medical Assistant (CPMA), to expand your skills and increase your earning potential as a medical assistant in Virginia.

2. Seek Employment in Academic Medical Centers

Consider working in academic medical centers or teaching hospitals in Virginia, as these institutions often offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.

3. Gain Experience in High-Demand Areas

Focus on gaining experience in high-demand areas such as geriatrics, oncology, or pediatrics, as these specialties may offer higher salaries and more job opportunities in Virginia.

4. Stay Current with Regulatory Compliance

Stay updated with state and federal regulations in Virginia, particularly in areas such as HIPAA and medical billing, as this knowledge can make you a valuable asset to employers and potentially result in higher pay.

5. Pursue Leadership Roles

Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles within your healthcare facility, such as becoming a lead medical assistant or supervisor, which can lead to increased pay and responsibilities.

More Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants in Virginia

If you’re interested in expanding your options, you may want to consider a related field such as:

  1. Medical Laboratory Technician

Consider a career as a medical laboratory technician, performing laboratory tests and procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in Virginia.

This role requires conducting tests, analyzing results, and maintaining accurate laboratory records.

2. Patient Navigator

Explore a role as a patient navigator, assisting patients in navigating the healthcare system and connecting them with appropriate resources and services in Virginia.

This position involves providing guidance, support, and advocacy to patients throughout their healthcare journey.

3. Health Information Management Specialist

Consider a career as a health information management specialist, responsible for organizing and managing patient health records and ensuring the accuracy and security of electronic health information in Virginia.

This role involves data analysis, compliance with privacy regulations, and information system management.

4. Medical Interpreter

Pursue a role as a medical interpreter, providing language interpretation services to facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients with limited English proficiency in Virginia.

This position requires fluency in multiple languages, cultural sensitivity, and knowledge of medical terminology.

Conclusion

In Virginia, medical assistants can take steps to maximize their salaries.

Pursuing advanced certifications, such as Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), can demonstrate expertise and dedication, potentially resulting in higher salaries.

Seeking employment in major metropolitan areas or specialized healthcare facilities can also offer better pay prospects.

Furthermore, gaining experience in in-demand areas such as geriatrics or oncology can make you a valuable asset, leading to potential salary advancements and increased job opportunities.

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