In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
One benefit of becoming a medical administrative assistant in Florida is the state’s large elderly population and growing healthcare industry. With many hospitals, clinics and medical offices, there are opportunities for employment and career growth in this field. To summarize, three top reasons to consider Florida as your education or medical admin assistant career destination are:
Elderly population = higher demand:
Florida’s large elderly population and expanding healthcare sector create strong job opportunities.
Competitive salaries:
Medical administrative assistants may earn competitive wages, especially if they consider working in urban areas.
No state income tax:
Keep more of your earnings since Florida does not tax personal income.
Snapshot of medical administrative assistants and their salaries in Florida
There are around 90,320 people employed as medical administrative assistants in Florida, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To put it into perspective, this would equate to almost 10 people who work as medical admin assistants for every 1,000 who live in the state, and makes Florida the second largest employer of medical admin assistant in the U.S. said the BLS. The median wage per hour is $19, and the forecasted national job growth for the coming decade is 4.2%, faster than the average for all careers combined.
The prospect of job availability in Florida—largely due to the retiree population—makes it a favorable state for medical administrative assistants. Because of demand, Florida has several prominent healthcare organizations that may employ medical administrative assistants. Here are five major employers in Florida that utilize medical administrative assistant skills:
- HCA Florida Healthcare, Tampa and multiple locations:
- Operates 48 hospitals across the state, providing extensive opportunities for medical administrative assistants.
- Orlando Health, Orlando:
- A prominent healthcare network recognized among the top 20 healthcare employers nationwide.
- Tampa General Hospital, Tampa:
- A leading academic medical center consistently ranked among Florida’s top employers.
- Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota:
- One of the state’s largest public health systems, employing over 10,000 individuals.
Medical administrative assistants in these organizations generally perform these types of tasks:
- 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 stats for Florida medical administration assistants
In Florida, medical admin assistant salaries depend upon experience, certifications you’ve earned and the type of employer you work. While the median national salary is just over $44,640 a year, it can vary significantly depending on the factors above.
Median salary in Florida
In Florida, the median annual salary for medical administration assistants rests at $39,450, which is just below the national median. Considering Florida is the second largest employer of medical admin assistants and also the number two state for the highest concentration of jobs, there may be wiggle room for the salary you are able to negotiate. Also, working in major healthcare cities such as Tampa and Miami may also yield a higher salary compared to employment in smaller cities or rural areas.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
10%$33,660
25%$36,880
50%$39,450Median
75%$46,780
90%$52,050
Median Hourly Wage$19
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment80,430
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | $44,400 | $35,660 | $58,620 |
| Naples-Marco Island, FL | $42,900 | $35,030 | $54,810 |
| Gainesville, FL | $42,590 | $33,400 | $50,470 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $41,370 | $35,860 | $57,680 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $39,450 | $35,620 | $49,160 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $39,450 | $34,570 | $50,920 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | $39,370 | $34,200 | $48,920 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | $39,260 | $30,570 | $49,920 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $39,100 | $34,750 | $50,140 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $39,040 | $35,070 | $48,850 |
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 Florida
The salary range for medical administration assistants in Florida typically spans from $33,660 to $52,050 per year said the BLS.
Two primary factors influencing these salary variations are:
- Experience and education: Individuals with more experience and higher levels of education or specialized certifications may command higher salaries.
- Industry and employer type: Salaries can vary depending on the industry and the size of the employer. For instance, those working in outpatient care centers or hospitals may earn more than those in smaller private practices.
Employment by Florida metro area
Your earning level will likely 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 university hospital hubs. So, if you work in the largest city in the state—Jacksonville—that has hospitals and university affiliated medical facilities such as UF Health and North Florida Medical Center, 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. You can see that Gainesville pays best while the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area ranks second in the U.S. for employment, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ranks ninth in the country for employment.
Florida salary growth and job outlook
With a national job growth rate of 4.2% through 2034, medical administrative assistants can anticipate a positive employment outlook. Florida’s unique prospects are even better, says O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, who said the these healthcare professionals can anticipate a 20% job growth rate through 2030. This substantial increase is primarily driven by the state’s expanding healthcare sector, which is responding to a large retiree population. The state’s population growth and influx of residents, particularly retirees, has heightened the demand for healthcare services, which increases the need for medical administrative assistants and other allied health professionals.
Florida metro areas with the highest concentration of jobs, according to the BLS:
| Florida metro area | Rank on BLS top 10 for highest number of jobs in U.S. |
|---|---|
| The Villages | Ranked #3 |
| Sebring | Ranked #4 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | Ranked #6 |
| Homosassa Springs | Ranked #7 |
Factors affecting medical admin assistant salaries in Florida
State-specific factors that impact pay levels for medical administrative assistants and other allied health professionals in Florida are:
- Cost of living variation:
- Urban areas like Miami, Tampa and Orlando generally offer higher wages to compensate for higher living expenses, whereas rural areas may offer have lower pay.
- Seasonal and tourist populations:
- Florida’s seasonal influx of retirees and tourists increases healthcare demand in certain regions, leading to potential pay fluctuations based on seasonal hiring needs.
- Retiree and elderly population:
- With a large senior population, Florida has a strong demand for healthcare services, which can drive up wages in specialized facilities like nursing homes and long-term care centers.
- State labor laws and workforce policies:
- Florida’s labor laws, minimum wage policies and employer demand for skilled professionals influence salary trends, especially for administrative healthcare roles.
- No state income tax:
- While salaries may be slightly lower compared to other states, the lack of state income tax allows professionals to take home more of their earnings, affecting overall compensation.
Education for medical admin assistants
The education path to become a medical administrative assistant in Florida typically follows these steps:
Graduate from high school or earn a GED:
A high school diploma or equivalent is the baseline requirement for entering the field.
Complete postsecondary education:
Enroll in a specialized program offered at community colleges, vocational schools, colleges or technical institutes in Florida. These programs—often leading to a certificate or diploma—cover core topics such as medical terminology, office procedures, medical billing and coding, health information management and computer skills.
Earn certification or on-the-job training:
While certification isn’t always mandatory, obtaining credentials like the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) may enhance advancement. Additionally, many employers offer on-the-job training to further develop practical skills.
Consider an associate degree:
Some candidates may choose to pursue a two-year associate degree in medical office administration or a related allied health field. This option may provide broader knowledge and can be advantageous for career advancement.
Continuing education:
As you progress in your career, taking continuing education courses or advanced certifications can help keep your skills current and may lead to higher-level positions.
Find comprehensive salary guides for medical administrative assistants in select states: Arizona | California | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | Texas
Cost of living considerations in Florida
Medical administrative assistants in Florida face the challenge of balancing salaries that are often below the national average with a cost of living that is slightly above it. Here’s an overview:
Cost of living in Florida:
Comparison to national average: Florida’s cost of living index is 102.8, indicating it’s 2.8% higher than the national average.
Overall expenses: The average cost of living per person in Florida is approximately $4,224 per month, totaling around $50,689 annually.
Strategies to help manage living expenses:
- Budgeting and financial planning: Implementing strict budgeting, seeking additional certifications to enhance earning potential and exploring supplementary income sources may further assist in managing expenses.
- Location matters: Residing in areas with a lower cost of living can make a significant difference. For instance, Jacksonville’s cost of living is 2% lower than the Florida average and aligns with the national average.
- Housing considerations: Opting for smaller towns near major cities can offer affordability without sacrificing access to urban amenities. For example, Titusville, located 45 minutes from Orlando, provides a more affordable lifestyle compared to living in the city.
Florida professional associations
Here are three professional associations for medical administrative assistants and medical office managers in Florida. These groups offer networking opportunities, continuing education and resources and potential advocacy:
American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM)–Florida Sunshine Chapter:
AAHAM focuses on revenue cycle management and professional growth for medical administrative staff.
Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)–Florida Chapter:
Provides education, advocacy and resources for healthcare administrators and office managers. Supports medical office managers and healthcare administrators with networking, professional development and industry insights.
Florida Health Information Management Association (FHIMA): FHIMA 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.
Florida Healthcare Association (FHCA): FHCA’s mission is to advance the quality of services, professional development and financial stability of its members. FHCA promotes the importance of investing in the well-being of Florida’s elderly population and individuals with disabilities to ensure continued access to high-quality long term care.
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 Florida strives to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and important information regarding the healthcare profession in the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your education, career path and salary and for setting realistic expectations for your educational options and professional future.