Medical Assistants

• Medical assistanting is projected to be one of the fastest growing occupations over the 2004-14 period.
• Job prospects should be best for medical assistants with formal training or experience, particularly those with certification.
• Employment of medical assistants is expected to grow much faster for all occupations through the year 2014 as the health care industry expands because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population.

Medical Administration and Billing

• Job prospects should be very good, especially for those with a strong background in medical coding will be in particularly high demand.
• Employment is expected to grow much faster than average through 2014 because of rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures.

Administrative Health Care Assistant

• Medical Secretaries account for approximately 260,000 positions nationwide
• Medical Secretaries carry a significant role in medical center and practice management

Administrative Assistants / Administrative Specialist

• Numerous job openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave this very large occupation each year.
• Opportunities should be best for applicants with extensive knowledge of software applications, particularly experienced secretaries and administrative assistants.

Legal Administrative Assistant

• About 7 out of 10 work for law firms; others work for corporate legal departments and government agencies.
• Employment for legal assistants is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014.
• Job openings will arise as people leave the occupation as well as jobs created by employment growth.

Administrative Office Specialist

• Rapid job growth is projected over the 2004-14 period.
• There are many paths of entry to these occupations.
• Job prospects should be best for students who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies; certifications and practical experience are essential for persons without degrees.

The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. Median annual earnings of medical assistants were $24,610 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,650 and $28,930 with the highest 10 percent earning more than $34,650.

Median annual earnings of medical records and health information technicians were $25,590 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,650 and $32,990. The highest 10 percent earned more than $41,760.

Median annual earnings of executive secretaries and administrative assistants were $34,970 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $28,500 and $43,430. The highest 10 percent earned more than $53,460.

Median annual earnings of legal secretaries were $36,720 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $29,070 and $46,390. The highest 10 percent earned more than $56,590.

Medical secretaries earned a median annual salary of $26,540 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,980 and $32,690. The highest 10 percent earned more than $39,140. Median annual earnings of secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive, were $26,110 in May 2004.