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By: All Allied Health Staff
Arizona’s warm climate and overall quality of life attract many allied health professionals looking for a stable and comfortable place to live and work. Even though Arizona isn’t the highest-paying state for medical administrative assistants, it remains a popular place for the career due to several reasons:
A growing healthcare industry:
Arizona has a rapidly expanding healthcare sector, driven by its growing population, including retirees and seasonal residents who need medical services. This creates consistent demand for administrative staff.
Lower cost of living:
While wages may not be the highest, Arizona’s cost of living is relatively moderate compared to states with higher salaries, such as California or New York, making it an attractive destination.
Large retiree population:
Cities such as Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson have large retiree communities, leading to an increased need for healthcare services, which in turn boosts demand for medical administrative assistants.
Established medical facilities:
The state is home to top medical facilities and training programs, such as Mayo Clinic Phoenix and Banner Health, which may contribute to steady job openings and career growth.
Snapshot of medical admin assisting in AZ
There are around 17,060 people employed as medical administrative assistants in the state of Arizona, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To put it into perspective, this would equate to nearly five people who work as medical admin assistants for every 1,000 who live in the state. The median wage per hour is $22, though the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.2%, faster than the national average.
While pay might not be the highest, the prospect of job availability makes Arizona a favorable state for medical administrative assistants. As such, Arizona hosts several prominent healthcare organizations that employ medical administrative assistants (MAAs). Here are five top employers in the state:
- Banner Health, Phoenix:
- Based in Phoenix, Banner Health is a non-profit health system operating 33 hospitals across six states, with over 55,000 employees.
- HonorHealth, Scottsdale:
- Headquartered in Scottsdale, HonorHealth is a non-profit healthcare organization with seven hospitals and numerous primary care and specialty offices throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale:
- Mayo Clinic operates a significant campus in Scottsdale, Arizona, providing comprehensive medical services and employing a substantial number of healthcare professionals.
- Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix:
- As Arizona’s only freestanding pediatric hospital, Phoenix Children’s Hospital offers specialized care and employs a wide range of healthcare staff.
- Magellan Health, Phoenix:
- Based in Phoenix, Magellan Health is a managed healthcare company focusing on special populations and pharmacy benefits, employing over 9,000 individuals.
Medical administrative assistants in these organizations perform essential tasks, including:
- Patient scheduling: Coordinating appointments and managing calendars to ensure efficient patient flow.
- Medical record management: Maintaining and updating patient records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.
- Billing and coding: Processing insurance claims, coding procedures, and managing billing inquiries.
- Communication: Serving as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers, handling inquiries and relaying information.
- Administrative support: Assisting with clerical duties such as data entry, correspondence and supply management.
Salary statistics for medical administration assistants in Arizona
In Arizona, medical admin assistant salaries depend upon experience, location, employer and other factors. While the median national salary is just over $44,640 a year, it can vary significantly depending on the factors above and whether you have earned certification in an area of specialty.
Median salary in Arizona
In Arizona, the median yearly income for medical administration assistant professionals stands at $46,510, which is above the median for the entire country. Considering Arizona’s cost of living is higher than the national average, this is helpful because it may help salaries stretch further. Also, working in major healthcare hubs like Phoenix or Scottsdale may also yield a higher salary compared to employment in smaller cities such as Lake Havasu City or Kingman.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
10%$37,440
25%$40,540
50%$46,510Median
75%$50,000
90%$60,450
Median Hourly Wage$22
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment16,650
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $47,560 | $38,810 | $60,860 |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $44,690 | $37,370 | $59,020 |
| Tucson, AZ | $43,950 | $36,260 | $56,300 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $43,600 | $38,050 | $53,100 |
| Yuma, AZ | $40,540 | $34,600 | $54,060 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $40,470 | $34,540 | $49,690 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $38,360 | $34,700 | $47,380 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for medical admin assistants in Arizona
The salary range for medical admin assistants in Arizona typically spans from $37,440 to $60,450 per year said the BLS.
Entry-level positions often start around $36,000, where foundational skills such as basic administrative tasks and familiarity with medical terminology are essential. Higher salaries, reaching up to $54,000, are associated with more advanced competencies, including proficiency in medical coding and billing, adept management of electronic health records and strong organizational abilities. These advanced skills enhance operational efficiency and contribute to higher compensation.
Employment by Arizona metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. Traditionally, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas because large cities usually are industry and education hubs. So, if you work in the largest city in the state—Phoenix—that has several highly ranked hospitals and a large university, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the highest employment numbers for the top 10 cities in the U.S.
AZ salary growth and job outlook
With a national job growth rate of 4.2% through 2034, medical administrative assistants can anticipate a solid employment scenario. Arizona’s prospects are even better, says O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, who said the these healthcare professionals can anticipate a 42% job growth rate through 2030. This substantial increase is primarily driven by the state’s expanding healthcare sector, which is responding to a rapidly growing and aging population. The influx of residents, particularly retirees, has heightened the demand for healthcare services, subsequently increasing the need for medical administrative professionals. Additionally, Arizona’s commitment to enhancing its healthcare infrastructure and services contributes to this significant employment growth in the field.
Factors affecting medical admin assistant salaries in AZ
Several state-specific factors may influence the pay for medical administrative assistants in Arizona. Here are five factors that impact salary levels:
- Earning a certification:
- Earning professional certifications such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) may significantly boost pay. Arizona employers often prefer certified candidates, as they demonstrate expertise in medical billing, coding and administrative tasks.
- Specializing in a healthcare field:
- MAAs working in specialized fields like oncology, cardiology or dermatology may earn higher salaries due to the additional knowledge required in those areas. Specialized medical offices typically demand more administrative precision and patient coordination.
- Location within Arizona:
- Pay varies by region. Urban centers like Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson generally offer higher wages due to larger healthcare facilities, higher patient volumes and increased demand for skilled workers. Meanwhile, rural areas may offer slightly lower salaries but could have incentives like sign-on bonuses or relocation assistance.
- Experience and tenure:
- Entry-level medical admin assistants in Arizona earn closer to the lower end of the salary range, while those with years of experience, leadership roles or supervisory responsibilities tend to make more. Employers value experienced professionals who can efficiently handle complex administrative functions.
- Employer type and size:
- Large hospitals such as Mayo Clinic and Banner Health, and specialty medical centers often pay more than smaller private practices or outpatient clinics. Larger institutions may provide additional benefits, bonuses or opportunities for career advancement.
Arizona education for medical admin assistants
The education pathway for medical administrative assistants in Arizona is fairly straightforward and typically follows these steps:
Graduate from high school or earn a GED:
A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for entry into medical admin assistant training programs. Taking courses in business administration, computer skills and basic health sciences may help later on.
Complete a medical administrative assistant education program:
Education programs are available at community colleges, vocational schools and online institutions. Programs typically run six months for a certificate or diploma, to two years for an associate degree, and depend on the level of education pursued.
Earn certification:
Though not required, certification may enhance job prospects and salary potential. Common certifications include for medical admin assistants include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Medical Office Assistant (CMOA).
Gain practical experience:
Many programs include internships or externships in medical offices, hospitals or clinics, and entry-level job roles like medical receptionist or front desk associate may help provide relevant experience.
Advance your career by earning a degree or completing more education:
Some medical administration assistants choose to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or medical office management for career advancement.
Higher education can lead to roles such as healthcare office manager, billing specialist or practice administrator.
Find comprehensive salary guides for medical administrative assistants in select states: Arizona | California | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | Texas
Cost of living considerations for AZ
Arizona’s cost of living varies across its cities, influencing the salary landscape for medical administrative assistants. Overall, the state’s cost of living is approximately 6% higher than the national average, said RentCafe, with housing costs about 18% higher.
Cities with a lower cost of living:
- Tucson: With a cost of living around $1,957 per month, Tucson offers a more affordable environment for medical admin assistants.
- Glendale: This city presents a cost of living close to $1,979 per month, providing a balance between affordability and urban amenities.
Cities with a higher cost of living:
- Scottsdale: Known for its upscale lifestyle, Scottsdale has a higher cost of living, approximately $2,524 per month.
- Paradise Valley: This affluent suburb boasts the highest median income in Arizona, with a per capita income of $81,290, reflecting its elevated cost of living.
Arizona professional associations for medical admin assistants
Medical office administrators in Arizona have access to several professional organizations that offer advocacy, networking, and development opportunities. Here are just a couple of groups to consider following or joining:
Arizona Health Information Management Association (AzHIMA): AzHIMA is an affiliate of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), comprising of members involved in various healthcare aspects. The association focuses on providing quality information and offers resources for professional growth and advocacy within the health information management field.
Arizona Medical Association (ArMA): ArMA is a voluntary membership organization representing Arizona physicians. While primarily focused on physicians, ArMA offers professional management services to local specialty societies, which may include administrative professionals. Engaging with ArMA can provide insights into healthcare advocacy and policy within the state.
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM): AAHAM is a national organization offering resources, education and advocacy for healthcare administrators. While not specific to Arizona, AAHAM provides valuable support for medical office administrators seeking to enhance their knowledge and professional network.
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP): IAAP is a global association that supports office and administrative professionals, including those in the medical field. The organization offers certification, training and networking opportunities to help members advance their careers.
The medical administrative assistant salary guide for Arizona strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and important information regarding this healthcare profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your education, career path, salary and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.