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By: All Allied Health Staff
Indiana has a considerable demand for medical administrative assistants. While California, Texas and Florida may offer higher salaries and more prestigious healthcare systems, Indiana provides a strong combination of affordability, career growth and quality of life. It’s a particularly good option for those looking to avoid the high costs and competition in larger states. The following factors make Indiana an attractive destination for those pursuing careers as medical administrative assistants:
Competitive salary relative to living cost:
While salaries in California or Texas might be higher, those states also have higher taxes and living expenses. In Indiana, the median salary is reasonable relative to the lower cost of living, offering better financial stability.
Lower cost of living:
Indiana has a much lower cost of living compared to states like California and Florida. Housing, utilities and transportation are significantly more affordable. Medical admin assistants may find that their salary stretches further in Indiana, providing a better quality of life.
Job market accessibility:
Indiana has a growing healthcare sector with major hospital networks like Indiana University Health and Ascension St. Vincent. Unlike California or Florida, where competition for medical administrative roles can be intense, Indiana’s job market is often more accessible for entry-level applicants.
Community-focused healthcare:
Many of Indiana’s healthcare systems focus on serving smaller communities and rural areas, offering opportunities for medical administrative assistants to take on meaningful roles without the hustle of large metropolitan hospitals.
Work-life balance:
Indiana’s more relaxed pace of life compared to major urban centers in Texas or Florida can lead to better work-life balance. Commutes are generally shorter, and employees can enjoy more affordable leisure and recreational activities.
Statewide initiatives for healthcare:
Indiana has been actively investing in healthcare infrastructure, creating more employment opportunities. Tax incentives for businesses also encourage healthcare companies to expand within the state, contributing to job growth.
Snapshot of medical admin assisting in Indiana
There are around 14,050 people employed as medical administrative assistants in Indiana, said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To put this into perspective, it 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 $20, though the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 4.2%, faster than the national average.
Here are five major employers of medical administrative assistants in the state:
- Indiana University Health (IU Health), Indianapolis, Carmel, Lafayette and statewide locations:
- The largest healthcare system in Indiana, with hospitals and medical facilities across the state, offers numerous administrative roles in areas like patient services, scheduling and medical records management.
- Ascension St. Vincent, indianapolis:
- A major Catholic healthcare network with hospitals and clinics throughout Indiana, Ascension St. Vincent is
known for providing comprehensive medical care, offering ample opportunities for administrative support positions. - Community Health Network, Indianapolis, Speedway, Greenwood, multiple locations:
- CHN operates several hospitals, surgery centers and outpatient facilities across Central Indiana. CHN frequently hires medical administrative assistants to manage patient intake, medical records and scheduling.
- Franciscan Health, Indianapolis and multiple locations:
- Franciscan health is a large faith-based healthcare system with multiple locations in Indiana. They provide opportunities in patient coordination, insurance verification and general office administration.
- Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis:
- Located in Indianapolis, Eskenazi Health serves as a public hospital with a focus on providing care to underserved communities. They offer administrative assistant roles in medical billing, patient registration and office management.
Medical administrative assistants in Indiana perform these essential tasks, and more:
- 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 Indiana medical administration assistants
In Indiana, medical admin assistant salaries depend upon experience, location, education, employer type and other factors. While the median national salary is $44,640 a year, it can vary significantly depending on the factors above and whether you have earned certification in an area of specialty. Indiana’s state median is just under the national median, but areas near Chicago earned more, as did metro areas such as Kokomo and Muncie.
Median salary in Indiana
In Indiana, the median yearly income for medical administration assistant professionals stands at $41,640, which is lower than the median for the entire country. Considering Indiana’s cost of living is also lower than the national average, salaries may still stretch further. Also, working in major healthcare hubs like Indianapolis, Muncie or Carmel may yield a higher salary compared to employment in smaller cities. Below you’ll find Indiana’s median pay, low and high end wages as well as salaries for different metro areas in the state.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
10%$34,810
25%$37,200
50%$41,640Median
75%$46,060
90%$53,350
Median Hourly Wage$20
Job growth4.2%
Total Employment19,460
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $44,120 | $36,040 | $54,190 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $43,700 | $35,360 | $50,980 |
| Kokomo, IN | $43,130 | $36,730 | $53,960 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $40,410 | $35,310 | $50,370 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $40,050 | $35,140 | $51,560 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $39,750 | $34,630 | $48,970 |
| Muncie, IN | $39,230 | $34,540 | $47,430 |
| Bloomington, IN | $39,140 | $34,400 | $48,920 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $38,250 | $32,870 | $48,980 |
| Evansville, IN | $38,140 | $33,530 | $49,150 |
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 ranges for medical admin assistants in Indiana
The salary range for medical admin assistants in Indiana typically spans from $34,810 to $53,350 per year said the BLS. What you earn may be impacted by the following factors:
Experience level: Entry-level positions may start near the lower end of the pay scale, while those with more experience or specialized skills can command higher wages.
Employer type: Larger healthcare systems or specialized medical facilities often offer higher salaries compared to smaller clinics or general practices.
Geographic location: Salaries can vary within the state, with urban areas potentially offering higher wages due to increased demand and cost of living considerations.
Employment by Indiana metro areas
Your earning level may likely depend upon where you live within a state, with cities tending to pay better than rural or less populated areas as cities are usually where hospitals, medical centers and universities are located. So, if you work in the largest city in the state—Indianapolis—that has several highly ranked hospitals, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the top 10 highest employment cities in the U.S. for medical admin assistants.
Indiana 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. Indiana’s prospects are even better, says O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, who said the these healthcare professionals can anticipate a 10% job growth rate through 2030. This is double the national job growth rate and there are several factors that contribute to the positive trend:
Aging population: As the baby boom generation ages, there’s an increased need for healthcare services. This demographic shift leads to a higher demand for medical administrative assistants to manage patient records, schedule appointments and handle billing processes.
Expanded healthcare access: Broader access to health insurance has resulted in more individuals seeking medical care. This surge necessitates additional administrative support to efficiently handle the growing patient load.
Healthcare industry growth in Indiana: Indiana’s healthcare sector is experiencing expansion, particularly in urban centers such as Indianapolis. The city is home to renowned hospitals, clinics and medical schools, providing opportunities for medical assistants to thrive.
Emphasis on preventive care: A shift towards preventive healthcare services has led to an increase in routine medical visits. This trend requires more administrative personnel to manage the associated administrative tasks.
Education for medical admin assistants
In Indiana, the educational pathway to becoming a medical administrative assistant generally follows a standard process, without any state-specific licensing or certification requirements. However, gaining relevant education and certifications may enhance job prospects. Here’s how you can pursue this career:
Graduate from high school or earn a GED:
This is the minimum requirement to enter most medical administrative assistant programs. Strong skills in communication, organization and computer applications are beneficial.
Enroll in a medical administrative assistant education program:
Many community colleges, vocational schools, colleges and online institutions in Indiana offer relevant programs. Programs usually take nine months to two years and result in a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Courses you’ll take cover medical terminology, healthcare office management, medical billing and coding and electronic health record (EHR) management.
Earn professional certification:
While Indiana doesn’t mandate certification, obtaining one may improve employability. Common certifications include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) and Medical Administrative Specialist Certification.
Consider and internship or externship:
Many educational programs offer hands-on experience in healthcare settings. Practical experience helps develop administrative skills and expand professional networks.
Apply for jobs:
After completing education and gaining certification (if desired), you can apply for medical administrative assistant roles at hospitals, clinics or private practices.
Find comprehensive salary guides for medical administrative assistants in select states: Arizona | California | Florida | Georgia | Indiana | Texas
Cost of living in Indiana
Indiana’s cost of living is notably lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside and work. Missouri Economic Research and information Center said Indiana’s cost of living index is 90.5, meaning it’s approximately 9.5% below the national average. The state boasts the eighth cheapest housing costs in the nation. The median price for a single-family home is $185,805, and a two-bedroom apartment typically rents for $840 per month.
While the overall cost of living in Indiana is below the national average, certain areas, particularly larger cities like Indianapolis, may have higher costs due to urban amenities and demand.
Indiana professional associations for medical admin assistants
Medical administrative assistants in Indiana have access to several professional associations that offer resources, networking opportunities, advocacy and support:
Indiana Chapter of the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM):
This chapter focuses on the interests and concerns of healthcare administrative management professionals in Indiana. Benefits of membership include educational events, networking opportunities, vendor contacts, certification programs and resources for continuing education credits.
Association for Healthcare Administrative Professionals (AHCAP):
AHCAP is dedicated to executive assistants and administrative professionals working in healthcare. The association offers resources, networking opportunities and support tailored to the unique challenges faced by administrative staff in the healthcare sector.
International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP):
IAAP invests in the success of office and administrative professionals by supporting innovative research, educational programs and professional development opportunities. Members benefit from a wide range of resources aimed at enhancing their careers.
Indiana Association of Medical Staff Services (INAMSS):
Affiliated with the National Association for Medical Staff Services, INAMSS consists of credentialing and medical staff service professionals throughout Indiana. The association promotes networking, educational opportunities, and professional development for its members.
The medical administrative assistant salary guide for Indiana strives to provide you with an understanding of the salary landscape and education information regarding this healthcare profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about certification, education, career paths, salary ranges and for setting realistic expectations for your future as a medical admin assistant in the state.