In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
Georgia can be a favorable environment for medical administrative assistants due to several factors, including its healthcare infrastructure, buoyant job growth and cost of living. Here’s why it stands out:
Healthcare expansion in the state:
Georgia has a rapidly expanding healthcare sector with numerous hospitals, clinics and outpatient centers. Major healthcare systems like Emory Healthcare, Wellstar Health System and Piedmont Healthcare provide significant employment opportunities. The state’s commitment to healthcare infrastructure is reflected in ongoing hospital expansions and new medical facilities.
Strong job growth:
Georgia has a strong projected growth rate for healthcare support occupations, including medical admin assistants, due to its aging population and increased demand for healthcare services. O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, reports a 23% job growth rate for medical admin assistants in the state, surpassing the national average four times over, due to administrative support remaining necessary in managing expanding patient care.
Competitive salaries:
While Georgia’s median salary for medical administrative assistants typically aligns with or slightly exceeds the national average, salaries can vary based on location, experience and certification. Metropolitan areas such as Atlanta may offer higher pay due to greater demand and cost of living, while rural areas may offer lower but stable wages.
Snapshot of medical admin assisting in Georgia
There are around 10,690 people employed as medical administrative assistants in Georgia according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To put this number into perspective, this would equate to just over two people who work as medical admin assistants for every 1,000 who live in the state. The median wage per hour in Georgia is $20, and the forecasted job growth at the national level for the coming decade is 4.2%, faster than the national average.
Since Georgia is a favorable state for medical administrative assistants due to its thriving healthcare network, good salary prospects and a positive job outlook, the combination of urban career opportunities and affordable suburban or rural living makes it a balanced choice for those entering the field. Here are five of the largest employers of medical administrative assistants in Georgia:
- Emory Healthcare, Atlanta and surrounding area locations:
- The largest healthcare system in Georgia, with numerous hospitals, clinics and outpatient facilities, Emory healthcare offers competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.
- Wellstar Health Systems, Marietta and metro Atlanta area locations:
- One of the most extensive nonprofit healthcare systems in the state. Wellstar operates hospitals, urgent care centers and physician offices across Northwest Georgia Wellstar offers strong employee benefits and training programs.
- Piedmont Healthcare, Atlanta and metro area:
- Piedmont Healthcare is a rapidly expanding network with hospitals and medical facilities throughout Georgia.
They provide opportunities for medical admin assistants in administrative and support roles, and are headquartered in Atlanta with multiple regional locations. - Northside Hospital, Atlanta, Canton and Lawrenceville:
- Northside specializes in cancer treatment, maternity services, and cardiovascular care. They frequently hire administrative staff to manage patient care and clerical operations.
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), Atlanta:
- CHOA is one of the leading pediatric healthcare systems in the country. They employ administrative assistants to support specialty care services and patient management and offer competitive benefits and employee development programs.
Medical administrative assistants working at organizations such as those listed above typically perform the following tasks:
- Patient scheduling and coordination: Manage appointments, schedule follow-ups and coordinate with physicians and specialists.
- Medical records management: Maintain, update and organize patient medical records using electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Insurance and billing support: Verify insurance information, process claims and assist patients with billing inquiries.
- Front desk and reception duties: Greet patients, answer phone calls and provide customer service in a professional healthcare environment.
- Administrative support: Prepare reports, manage correspondence and assist healthcare providers with clerical tasks.
These tasks ensure efficient operations within medical facilities and contribute to quality patient care.
Salary statistics for Georgia medical admin assistants
Medical admin assistant salaries may depend upon experience, location, employer and other factors. While the median national salary is just over $44,640 a year, it can vary significantly.
Median salary in Georgia
In Georgia, the median annual wage for medical administration assistants stands at $40,880, which is generally in line with national averages, with variations depending on experience, location and specific job responsibilities. Here are some key takeaways to consider:
Competitive earnings: Medical admin assistants in Georgia earn salaries comparable to national figures, with some data indicating slightly higher averages within the state.
Variations by location: Salaries can fluctuate based on specific regions within Georgia. For instance, in Atlanta, the median annual salary is approximately $40,010, with a typical range between $33,000 and $49,000.
Experience and role impact: Entry-level positions may start at lower salary points, while experienced medical admin assistants or those in specialized roles may expect higher compensation.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
10%$31,700
25%$36,200
50%$40,880Median
75%$47,460
90%$57,520
Median Hourly Wage$20
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment18,180
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $45,820 | $35,880 | $57,880 |
| Gainesville, GA | $45,330 | $35,880 | $51,270 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $40,240 | $34,330 | $50,050 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $39,930 | $34,130 | $48,530 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $39,240 | $31,870 | $49,580 |
| Rome, GA | $38,940 | $32,200 | $49,840 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | $38,780 | $31,790 | $49,140 |
| Savannah, GA | $38,390 | $32,060 | $51,000 |
| Albany, GA | $37,520 | $29,670 | $44,450 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $37,380 | $29,990 | $44,930 |
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 Georgia
The salary range for medical administration assistants in Georgia spans from $31,700 to $57,520 per year said the BLS. here are some factors that may impact where salary levels land for entry-level and more experienced professionals:
Factors influencing salary levels:
- Experience and education: Medical admin assistants with extensive experience and advanced education often earn higher wages.
- Certifications: Holding certifications, such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), may enhance earning potential.
- Geographic location: Salaries can vary based on location within Georgia, with urban areas like Atlanta typically offering higher pay due to increased demand and cost of living.
- Type of healthcare facility: Employment in larger hospitals or specialized clinics may offer higher salaries compared to smaller private practices.
Regulations and legislative impact:
- Currently, there are no specific Georgia state regulations or legislative laws that directly set pay scales for medical admin assistants. Compensation is generally determined by individual employers based on market conditions and organizational policies.
Unions and associations:
- While there isn’t a dedicated union exclusively for MAAs in Georgia, several professional organizations and unions represent healthcare workers, which may indirectly influence working conditions and benefits.
Employment by Georgia metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state, with larger cities tending to pay better than rural or less populated areas because they are usually medical industry and university hubs. So, if you work in the largest cities in the state—Atlanta, Augusta and Macon are the top three—that have several highly ranked hospitals and large university hospitals, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the highest employment numbers in the U.S. by metro area. Georgia doesn’t make the top 10, however it still offers competitive pay in desirable locations such as Atlanta, Brunswick and Gainesville.
Georgia job growth and outlook
With a national job growth rate of 4.2% through 2034, medical administrative assistants in Georgia are experiencing a job growth rate that surpasses the national growth rate. The state is expected to see a 23% increase for this career through 2030, said O*Net.
This growth is driven by a couple of factors:
Population growth and aging demographics: Georgia’s population increased by 10.6% from 2010 to 2020 said the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, surpassing the national growth rate of 7.4%. Additionally, the state’s population aged 65 and older has grown faster than the national average. This demographic shift leads to higher demand for healthcare services, subsequently increasing the need for MAAs to support administrative functions in medical facilities.
Expansion of healthcare facilities: The state’s healthcare infrastructure is expanding to accommodate the growing population. New medical facilities, clinics and outpatient centers are being established, particularly in urban areas like Atlanta. This expansion creates more employment opportunities for medical administrative assistants to manage administrative tasks essential for efficient healthcare delivery.
Increasing chronic diseases: Georgia is experiencing a rise in chronic health conditions, including obesity, diabetes and kidney diseases. Managing these conditions requires ongoing medical attention and administrative support, thereby increasing the demand for administrative assistants who play a crucial role in coordinating patient care, scheduling appointments and maintaining medical records.
Education to become a medical administrative assistant in Georgia
To become a medical administrative assistant in Georgia, individuals usually follow these educational steps:
Graduate from high school or earn a GED:
This foundational requirement is essential for entry into post-secondary educational programs and is often the minimum stipulation for employment in administrative roles.
Consider a college program:
While not always mandatory, completing a medical administrative assistant education program may help employability. These programs are offered by various institutions in Georgia and cover essential topics such as medical terminology, office procedures and healthcare laws.
Think about earning professional certification:
Certification may enhance job prospects and demonstrate a commitment to the profession. Common certifications include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS). Some programs in Georgia, such as those at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, combine training for both CMAA and CEHRS certifications, providing comprehensive preparation for administrative roles in healthcare.
Pursue continuing education or professional development courses:
Engaging in ongoing education helps medical admin assistants stay updated with the latest developments in healthcare administration. This can include attending workshops, enrolling in advanced courses or participating in professional organizations.
Cost of living considerations in Georgia
Medical administrative assistants considering employment in Georgia should find that the state’s cost of living varies significantly across its cities, impacting the overall affordability and quality of life.
Georgia’s average annual per-capita cost of living is approximately $43,482 said SoFi, taking into consideration expenses such as housing, utilities, healthcare and food. This figure is slightly below the national average, making Georgia relatively affordable, and right at the median pay level that medical admin assistants earn.
When evaluating where to work in Georgia, medical admin assistants should consider both the cost of living and potential salary variations across different regions. Urban areas like Atlanta may offer higher salaries but come with increased living expenses, while smaller cities such as Albany provide more affordable living costs, which could enhance overall financial well-being.
Examples of city-specific cost of living:
Dahlonega: This city has a cost of living 11% higher than the state average and 1% above the national average, making it one of the priciest areas in Georgia, said RentCafe.
Albany: Conversely, Albany’s cost of living is 15% lower than the state average and 23% below the national average, positioning it as one of the most affordable cities in Georgia, said RentCafe.
Find comprehensive salary guides for medical administrative assistants in select states: Arizona | California | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | Texas
Groups for Georgia medical admin assistants to join
Engagement with these organizations can provide medical administrative assistants in Georgia with resources, advocacy and opportunities for professional development, potentially influencing wage standards and benefits.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU): A national union representing about two million members in healthcare and other sectors, advocating for workers’ rights and benefits.
Georgia Association of Healthcare Executives (ACHE of Georgia): ACHE of Georgia represents a broad range of healthcare professionals, providing educational programs and networking opportunities.
Georgia Chapter of the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM): AAHAM is a professional organization dedicated to healthcare administrative management. The Georgia Chapter provides educational programs, certification opportunities and networking events for healthcare professionals across the state.
Georgia Hospital Association (GHA): GHA is a non-profit trade association representing hospitals and health systems in Georgia. It offers education, research and advocacy services, benefiting healthcare professionals, including administrative assistants.
The medical administrative assistant salary guide for the state of Georgia strives to provide you with a basic 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 in the state.