How to Become a Medical Assistant in Florida

Florida’s senior population – the second largest in the nation – is behind much of the growth being seen in the state’s healthcare sector and a driving force behind outstanding job opportunities for medical assistants – and it’s only expected to get better in the coming years. In fact, recent stats show that throughout the next decade, Florida’s senior population is expected to grow by nearly 40 percent.

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Numbers put out by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity reflect the growing demand for medical assistants in the Sunshine State. In 2019, there were 58,360 medical assistants working in Florida; by 2021, the Department projects this number to swell to 62,070 – an increase of 6.4% in just a few, short years.

According to May 2019 statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants in Florida earned an average, hourly wage of $16.03, or $33,340. Those who have positioned themselves as experts in the field by gaining valuable experience and by earning the CMA designation can expect to earn upwards of $20.61 per hour, or $42,880 annually.

Average Hourly Wages for Medical Assistants in Florida’s Metro Areas

While the Miami metro area is home to more of these medical support professionals than any other part of the state, the top earners in the field are found in Naples.

The following BLS stats show the average, hourly wage range (median – top 10%) for medical assistants in Florida’s largest metro areas:

  • Fort Myers (greater metro area includes Cape Coral): $16.77 – $22.62 (approximately 2,230 medical assistants)
  • Daytona Beach (greater metro area includes Deltona and Ormond Beach): $14.37 – $18.32 (approximately 1,870 medical assistants)
  • Gainesville: $15.87 – $19.33 (approximately 980 medical assistants)
  • Jacksonville: $15.66 – $20.76 (approximately 5,180 medical assistants)
  • Miami (greater metro area includes Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach): $17.03 – $22.76 (approximately 16,530 medical assistants)
  • Naples (greater metro area includes Immokalee and Marco Island): $18.84 – $24.44 (approximately 820 medical assistants)
  • Panama City: $14.43 – $19.30 (approximately 380 medical assistants)
  • Pensacola: $15.14 – $20.32 (approximately 1,370 medical assistants)
  • Tallahassee: $14.77 – $20.45 (approximately 900 medical assistants)
  • Tampa (greater metro area includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater): $15.50 – $19.31 (approximately 9,350 medical assistants)

Average Salaries for Medical Assistants in Florida’s Metro Areas

The BLS reports what medical assistants in the median – top 10% salary range are earning in Florida’s largest metro areas:

  • Fort Myers (greater metro area includes Cape Coral): $34,880 – $47,060
  • Daytona Beach (greater metro area includes Deltona and Ormond Beach): $29,890 – $38,110
  • Gainesville: $33,020 – $40,200
  • Jacksonville: $32,570 – $43,190
  • Miami (greater metro area includes Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach): $35,420 – $47,340
  • Naples (greater metro area includes Immokalee and Marco Island): $39,180 – $50,830
  • Panama City: $30,010 – $40,150
  • Pensacola: $31,500 – $42,260
  • Tallahassee: $30,710 – $42,540
  • Tampa (greater metro area includes St. Petersburg and Clearwater): $32,250 – $40,170

 

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US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for medical assistants represents state data not school-specific information.

2019 job growth projections from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity 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.