Healthcare continues to be a major economic driver in Ohio. A growing population, in general, and one that’s increasingly getting older, has boosted the demand for healthcare here and, as a result, some of the biggest players in healthcare are increasing their presence in the Buckeye State. As of 2019, just some of the big names gearing up to expand their footprint here include the Cleveland Clinic, OSU Wexner Medical Center, and OhioHealth.
For medical assistants—the support pros who keep these medical practices running smoothly, this translates into exciting opportunities, both now and well into the future. Recent projections from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reflect this impressive growth in healthcare spending in the state. As of 2019, there were 24,330 medical assistants in Ohio. In just the two year period leading up to 2021, this number is projected to increase by more than 300 just to keep pace with demand – an impressive 5% growth rate in a few, short years.
When you factor in retirement and normal turn-over along with the new jobs being created, the Department puts it at more than 3,000 job openings in medical assisting statewide every year. For aspiring and practicing medical assistants, this means plenty of room to enter or advance in the profession.
Average Hourly Wages for Medical Assistants in Ohio’s Metro Areas
Medical assistants in the state’s biggest metros of Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland enjoy some of the highest hourly wages and annual salaries.
BLS stats reveal the following average, hourly wage ranges (median- top 10%) for medical assistants working in Ohio’s largest metro areas:
- Akron: $14.98 – $18.86 (approximately 1,540 medical assistants)
- Canton: $14.77 – $18.60 (approximately 1,300 medical assistants)
- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN: $16.76 – $21.46 (approximately 4,910 medical assistants)
- Cleveland (greater metro area includes Elyria): $16.80 – $22.35 (approximately 4,360 medical assistants)
- Columbus: $16.30 – $20.27 (approximately 4,470 medical assistants)
- Dayton: $16.43 – $19.67 (approximately 1,760 medical assistants)
- Toledo: $15.51 – $19.40 (approximately 1,980 medical assistants)
Average Salaries for Medical Assistants in Ohio’s Metro Areas
The BLS reported the following salary ranges (median – top 10%) for medical assistants in Ohio’s largest metro areas:
- Akron: $31,160 – $39,230
- Canton: $30,720 – $38,690
- Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN: $34,870 – $44,640
- Cleveland (greater metro area includes Elyria): $34,940 – $46,480
- Columbus: $33,900 – $42,160
- Dayton: $34,170 – $40,910
- Toledo: $32,260 – $40,350
US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for medical assistants represents state data not school-specific information.
2019 job growth projections from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services are aggregated through the U.S. Department of Labor-Sponsored resource, Projections Central.
Conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and employment data accessed May 2020.