Medical office administrators play a huge role in the healthcare industry by ensuring medical practices, clinics and hospitals run smoothly. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including managing patient records, scheduling appointments, billing and coding and supervising other administrative staff.
As with many careers in healthcare, salary can vary based on a worker’s experience, educational attainment, the type of practice in which they work, cost of living in the area and the administrator’s responsibilities.
Factors That Influence Medical Office Administrator Salaries
- Experience: As with most professions, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Entry-level medical office administrators typically earn less than those with several years of experience. With more experience, you can expect to take on more responsibilities and, in turn, earn a higher salary.
- Education and Certification: While a high school diploma may be sufficient for some entry-level positions, those with additional education or certifications, such as a bachelor’s in healthcare administration from St. Louis College of Health Careers, often have higher earning potential. Some employers also value certifications such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM).
- Location: The geographical location of your job can hugely impact your salary. Medical office administrators working in urban areas or regions with a higher cost of living tend to earn more than those in rural areas. For instance, salaries are generally higher in states like California, New York and Massachusetts compared to states in the Midwest or South.
- Type of Healthcare Facility: The type of facility you work in can also affect your salary. Medical office administrators working in large hospitals or specialized medical centers often earn more than those working in smaller clinics or private practices. The complexity and size of the facility, as well as the specialized practice area of the office, can influence the level of responsibility required and, therefore, the compensation.
- Specialization: Some medical office administrators choose to specialize in specific areas, such as billing and coding, medical transcription or healthcare information management. Specializing in a particular area can lead to higher pay, as specialized skills are often in high demand.
- Employer: The specific employer can also play a role in salary variations. Larger healthcare organizations or those with more resources may offer higher salaries and better benefits compared to smaller practices.
Typical Salary Range for Medical Office Administrators
Given the various factors that influence salary, it’s important to look at the typical salary range for medical office administrators across different levels of experience and locations.
Medical office administrators can expect to earn between $40,000 and $55,000 per year in the St. Louis area, although their experience and the practice area of their employer may result in significant variations.
- Some tracking websites suggest medical office administrators in the St. Louis area have a salary range between $24,375 and $82,825 per year. Job applicants with higher educational attainment and more experience will typically earn higher salaries, especially in management positions where they have high-stakes responsibilities within an organization.
Maximizing Your Earning Potential
If you’re looking to increase your salary as a medical office administrator, there are several steps you can take. Pursuing further education, such as an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, business administration or a related field, can open up more advanced roles with higher pay.
Gaining experience is also highly important; the more experience you have, the more likely you are to earn a higher salary. Look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, lead projects or manage teams to build your experience and demonstrate your value to employers. If you’re open to relocating, consider moving to areas where medical office administrators earn higher salaries.
However, you should consider the impact a higher cost of living may have on your purchasing power. Although you may earn a higher salary in places with a high cost of living, the increased pay may not counteract the increased cost of rent, groceries, gas and other everyday living expenses.
Specializing in a high-demand area, such as billing and coding, medical transcription or healthcare information management, can also set you apart and allow you to command a higher salary. Employers are often willing to pay more for specialized skills.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary when accepting a new job or during performance reviews. Research industry standards and use your experience, education and certifications as leverage to negotiate a fair and competitive salary.
The Future Outlook for Medical Office Administrators
The healthcare industry is expected to continue growing, driven by an aging population and advancements in medical technology. As a result, the demand for skilled medical office administrators is likely to increase, leading to more job opportunities and potential salary growth. Those who stay current with industry trends, continue their education and develop specialized skills will be well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.
Become a Medical Office Administrator in St. Louis, MO
Are you thinking about becoming a medical office administrator? St. Louis College of Health Careers is here for you.
Contact us online or give us a call at 866-529-2070 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your career goals.