Medical Assistant Salary in Washington and How to increase it

By | July 9, 2023
Medical Assistant Salary in Washington
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Washington include Sammamish, Renton, and Redmond.

The medical assistant salary in Washington is $54,342 yearly.

Sammamish, Renton, and Redmond are cities that offer the highest salaries to medical assistants in Washington, while Health Advocates Network, Inc., MWIDM Inc. and Valley Medical Center are recognized for their top-tier pay scales.

This article also covers employee benefits, salaries in related industries, and practical tips for maximizing one’s earning potential as a medical assistant in Washington.

Medical Assistant Salary across Washington Cities

Here is salary information for medical assistants across cities in Washington:

 CitySalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Seattle$24.43$56,884
2.Spokane$21.42$49,879
3.Tacoma$22.63$52,698
4.Vancouver$21.88$50,948
5.Bellevue$24.75$57,631
6.Kent$22.46$52,283
7.Everett$23.39$54,449
8.Spokane Valley$21.84$50,857
9.Renton$24.87$57,897
10.Federal Way$22.60$52,618
11.Yakima$21.56$50,195
12.Bellingham$22.36$52,057
13.Kirkland$24.13$56,177
14.Auburn$24.13$56,176
15.Kennewick$18.13$42,209
16.Pasco$19.25$44,809
17.Redmond$24.84$57,842
18.Marysville$21.76$50,669
19.Sammamish$27.00$62,859
20.South Hill$18.47$43,012
21.Lakewood$22.48$52,336
22.Richland$20.21$47,061  
23.Shoreline$21.24$49,442
24.Olympia$22.67$52,785
25.Lacey$21.96$51,118
26.Burien$24.38$56,771
27.Bothell$21.83$50,815
28.Bremerton$21.85$50,881
29.Puyallup$23.35$54,354
30.Edmonds$24.45$56,931
Salary of medical assistants across cities in Washington

Cities with Highest Medical Assistant Salary in Washington

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

 CitySalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Sammamish$27.00$62,859
2.Renton$24.87$57,897
3.Redmond$24.84$57,842
4.Bellevue$24.75$57,631
5.Edmonds$24.45$56,931
6.Seattle$24.43$56,884
7.Burien$24.38$56,771
8.Kirkland$24.13$56,177
9.Auburn$24.13$56,176
10.Everett$23.39$54,449
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Washington

Skill-based Medical Assistant Salary in Washington

A medical assistant’s final compensation in Washington is heavily influenced by specific skills, including:

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

Experience-based Medical Assistant Salary in Washington

The level of experience possessed by a medical assistant in Washington can impact their salary.

Typically, individuals with less than one year of experience earn around $50,808 per year, whereas those with 10 or more years of experience can expect to earn approximately $64,072 annually.

10 Highest Paying Companies for Medical Assistant in Washington

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

 CompanyHourly SalaryAnnual Salary
1.Health Advocates Network, Inc.$31.05$72,292
2.MWIDM Inc.$30.27$70,487
3.Valley Medical Center$29.85$69,490
4.Skagit Regional Health$28.45$66,246
5.Discovery Health MD$28.05$65,301
6.Denken Solutions Inc$27.08$63,038
7.Seattle Children’s$27.07$63,022
8.Cariant Health Partners$26.85$62,508
9.Kaiser Permanente$26.82$62,450
10.TRA Medical Imaging$26.46$61,610
Companies that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Washington

10 Highest Paying Medical Assistant Jobs in Washington

Some of the top paying medical assistant jobs in Washington are:

  1. Dermatology medical assistant; $42,603
  2. Obgyn medical assistant; $39,805
  3. Cardiology medical assistant; $37,600
  4. Medical assistant back office; $43,638
  5. Medical assistant instructor; $50,699
  6. Medical assistant intern; $42,645
  7. Certified medical assistant; $54,953
  8. Medical office assistant; $48,165
  9. Medical administrative assistant; $44,101
  10. Senior medical assistant; $57,939.

More Benefits for Medical Assistants in Washington

Here are some of the employee benefits offered to medical assistants in Washington:

  1. Flexible Work Schedules

Many employers in Washington offer flexible work schedules or alternative work arrangements, such as part-time or remote work options.

This benefit allows medical assistants to have a better work-life balance and accommodate personal needs and commitments.

2. Employee Wellness Programs

Washington-based healthcare facilities often provide wellness programs that promote physical and mental well-being.

These programs may include fitness classes, wellness challenges, access to gym facilities, and resources for stress management and mental health support.

3. Tuition Reimbursement

Some employers in Washington offer tuition reimbursement programs for medical assistants who wish to further their education or pursue advanced certifications.

This benefit supports professional development and career advancement.

4. Commuter Benefits

Many companies in Washington provide commuter benefits, such as subsidized public transportation passes or parking reimbursement.

This helps medical assistants reduce their commuting costs and promotes environmentally friendly transportation options.

5. Employee Recognition Programs

Washington employers may have employee recognition programs in place to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of their medical assistants.

This can include rewards, incentives, or public recognition for exceptional performance or achievements.

What Related Job Titles to Medical Assistant Earn in Washington

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

  • Patient Care Technician; $64,603
  • Medical Scribe; $42,702
  • Care Coordinator; $43,819
  • Medical Receptionist; $45,039.

Medical Assistant Job and Salary Outlook in Washington

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in Washington can expect a highly favorable job outlook, with a projected growth rate of 26.76%.

In 2016, 13,790 individuals held employment in this occupation, and it is expected to rise to 17,480 by 2026.

Furthermore, there is an anticipated average of 2,020 job openings per year.

How to increase your Pay as a Medical Assistants in Washington

Here are tips to improve your earning capacity as a medical assistant in Washington:

  1. Pursue Advanced Education

Consider pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field to expand your knowledge and qualifications, which can lead to higher-paying positions as a medical assistant in Washington.

2. Seek Employment in Major Healthcare Centers

You can target larger healthcare centers and medical facilities in Washington, particularly in cities like Seattle or Spokane.

These areas tend to offer higher salaries and more job opportunities for medical assistants.

3. Specialize in In-Demand Areas

Focus on developing expertise in high-demand areas such as mental health, primary care, or women’s health, as these specialties may offer higher salaries and greater career advancement opportunities in Washington.

4. Stay Updated with Technology

Keep up-to-date with the latest healthcare technologies and electronic medical records (EMR) systems used in Washington’s healthcare facilities, as proficiency in these areas can make you a valuable asset and potentially lead to higher pay.

5. Participate in Professional Associations

Join professional associations and organizations for medical assistants in Washington, as these networks can provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to job openings with competitive salaries

More Career Opportunities for Medical Assistant in Washington

Here are additional career opportunities you can explore as a medical assistant salary in Washington:

  1. Medical Assistant Instructor

Consider becoming a medical assistant instructor in Washington, teaching and training aspiring medical assistants in educational institutions or vocational schools.

This role involves developing curriculum, conducting classes, and providing hands-on clinical training.

2. Medical Office Consultant

Explore a role as a medical office consultant, offering expert advice and guidance to healthcare facilities in Washington to improve operational efficiency, optimize workflows, and enhance patient satisfaction.

This position requires strong knowledge of healthcare regulations, industry best practices, and business management.

3. Healthcare Quality Improvement Coordinator

Consider a career as a healthcare quality improvement coordinator, focusing on analyzing data, implementing quality improvement initiatives, and monitoring patient outcomes to enhance the quality and safety of healthcare services in Washington.

4. Health Informatics Analyst

Pursue a role as a health informatics analyst, analyzing and interpreting healthcare data to support decision-making and improve healthcare delivery in Washington.

This position involves data analysis, database management, and generating meaningful insights to drive healthcare improvements

Conclusion

Medical assistants in Washington can employ several strategies to improve their salary.

Acquiring specialized certifications such as Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) can enhance your skill set and make you more marketable to employers.

Seeking employment in larger healthcare organizations or urban areas known for higher salaries can also lead to better compensation.

Furthermore, gaining experience in sought-after specialties such as dermatology or gastroenterology can increase your value as a medical assistant and potentially result in higher pay.

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