Medical Assistants vs Surgical Technologists salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Assistants earn an average of $38,190 per year, while Surgical Technologists earn an average of $53,590 per year. Therefore, the salary for Surgical Technologists is much higher than that of Medical Assistants.

Keep in mind, however, that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. For instance, Medical Assistants in Washington may have higher earnings (averaging $47,320 per year) compared to those in Louisiana ($30,620). As another example, the average salary of Surgical Technologists in California is 70% higher than those in Mississippi.

Medical Assistants vs Surgical Technologists overview

Medical Assistants and Surgical Technologists are fundamental to the Health Care Services industry. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Medical Assistant job description

Medical Assistants perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by physician.

Medical Assistant education and experience

45% of Medical Assistants have completed a Post-Secondary Certificate, 21% have a High School Diploma, and 17% hold a Bachelor's Degree. When it comes to experience, 41% of Medical Assistant jobs require a 6 months to 1 year of work-related experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (20%) do not require any previous experience.

Medical Assistant average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 727,760 Medical Assistants in 2021 and they earned an average of $38,190 per year. The lowest earning 10 percent made $29,070 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $48,170 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the average salary is up by 3.4%.

Do Medical Assistants make good money?

Medical Assistants are not typically well paid, as their average salary is about a third lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn about a half less than the average wage of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Medical Assistants are not typically well paid, as their average salary is about a third lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).

Medical Assistants job growth

In 2021, there have been 17,560 more Medical Assistant positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 2.5%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been 2.6%.

Surgical Technologist job description

Surgical Technologists assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons’ assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.

Surgical Technologist education and experience

41% of Surgical Technologists hold an Associate's Degree, 31% have a Post-Secondary Certificate, and 23% hold a College Course Certificate. When it comes to experience, 40% of Surgical Technologist jobs require a 6 months to 1 year of work-related experience. A smaller part of jobs (37%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Surgical Technologist average salary

Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 109,060 Surgical Technologists were employed by the United States in 2021, and their average annual salary was $53,590. The lowest earning 10 percent made $36,930 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $75,940 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has increased by 4%.

Do Surgical Technologists make good money?

Surgical Technologists are not typically well paid, as their average salary is 8% lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn about a quarter less than the average pay of the Hospitals industry ($72,260).

Surgical Technologists are not typically well paid, as their average salary is 8% lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).

Surgical Technologists job growth

In 2021, there have been 1,660 more Surgical Technologist roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 1.5%. Job growth has averaged -0.3% for the last 3 years.

FAQ

Do Medical Assistants or Surgical Technologists make more?

Surgical Technologists earn 40% more than Medical Assistants. Medical Assistants average around $38,190 per year, while Surgical Technologists make $53,590 per year.

How long does it take to become a Medical Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

Medical Assistants generally need a Post-Secondary Certificate. It most often takes between 1 year and 2 years to obtain a Post-Secondary Certificate. While on the other hand, Surgical Technologists generally need an Associate's Degree. It most often takes around 2 years to obtain an Associate's Degree.

Is it harder to become a Medical Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

Neither occupation is more challenging to attain than the other, as the education length for both of them is roughly the same.