The Complete Career Guide for Medical Assistants in Akron, Ohio

If you're a Medical Assistant (MA) considering a move to Akron, you're looking at a city with a deep healthcare legacy, a manageable cost of living, and a steady demand for skilled support staff. As someone who has watched Akron's healthcare sector evolve from the days of Goodyear and Firestone to today's network of major hospitals and community clinics, I can tell you that the city offers a stable, practical career path. This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge to help you make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. In the Akron metro area, the median annual salary for a Medical Assistant is $37,443, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.0. This is slightly below the national average of $38,270, but the trade-off is Akron's significantly lower cost of living. The city's healthcare economy is robust, supporting 377 jobs for MAs, with a projected 10-year job growth of 15%—a healthy indicator of long-term stability.

Your earning potential will vary based on experience, specialization, and the type of facility you work in. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Akron Metro)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Most roles in outpatient clinics or smaller practices. Focus on building core skills.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Specialization (e.g., ophthalmology, podiatry), hospital roles, or lead MA positions.
Senior/Lead MA (8+ years)	$42,000 - $48,000+	Supervisory duties, training new staff, or working in high-demand specialties like cardiology or oncology.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$48,000 - $55,000+	Certified specialties (e.g., RMA, CMA), roles in major hospital systems, or private practice management.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region. The median of $37,443 sits firmly in the mid-career bracket.

How Akron Compares to Other Ohio Cities

Akron's salary is competitive within Ohio's mid-sized cities. While Columbus and Cincinnati have higher averages due to larger corporate and hospital systems, they also have higher living costs. Cleveland's metro area, with its massive hospital networks like the Cleveland Clinic, offers slightly higher MA salaries (closer to $39,000), but the cost of living is also higher. For MAs who value affordability and a less hectic pace than a major coastal city, Akron hits a sweet spot.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $37,443 sounds different in Akron than it does in New York or Chicago. Let's break down the monthly reality.

Using a simplified tax estimator (federal, state, and FICA), a single filer with no dependents would take home approximately $2,850 per month. Akron's cost of living index is 92.8 (U.S. average = 100), meaning your dollar goes further here. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $816/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an MA earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,850	After taxes.
Rent (1BR avg.)	-$816	You can find nicer places in good neighborhoods for under $900.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$220	Varies by season; Akron winters can mean higher heating bills.
Groceries & Household	-$400	Shop at local chains like Acme or Heinen's for good value.
Transportation	-$250	Car payment/insurance/gas is typical. Public transit (METRO RTA) is an option but less comprehensive.
Healthcare & Insurance	-$150	Employer plans often cover a significant portion.
Discretionary/Entertainment	-$500	Dining out, movies, hobbies, and savings.
Remaining	$514	This can go toward student loans, savings, or debt repayment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, it's very feasible. The median home value in Akron is around $120,000 - $140,000. With a solid credit score and a down payment, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be comparable to or even less than renting a larger space. Many MAs I know have purchased homes within 3-5 years of starting their careers in Akron.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron's healthcare sector is anchored by a few major players. Knowing these names is key to your job search.

1. Cleveland Clinic Akron General: The local flagship of the Cleveland Clinic system. They have a massive presence in the city, including the main hospital on 5th Ave and numerous outpatient centers. Hiring is steady, and they offer great benefits and pathways for advancement. They often post jobs directly on their website.
2. Summa Health: A major local system with two main hospitals (City and Barberton) and a vast network of primary care and specialty clinics. They are one of the largest employers in the region and frequently hire MAs for both inpatient and outpatient roles. Summa has a strong focus on community health.
3. Akron Children's Hospital: A nationally recognized pediatric hospital. While specialized, they employ MAs in their outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and some inpatient units. Working here offers a different, rewarding pace and often requires a love for pediatrics.
4. Western Reserve Hospital: A newer, community-focused hospital in Cuyahoga Falls (just north of Akron). It's known for a modern facility and a focus on surgical services. It's a good option for MAs who want hospital experience without the scale of a major academic center.
5. Community Health Centers: Organizations like Community Health Center of Summit County and AxessPointe Community Health Centers serve the area's underserved populations. They are major employers of MAs, offer excellent experience in diverse patient populations, and often have a strong mission-driven culture.
6. Private Practices & Specialty Groups: The Akron area has hundreds of private practices in fields like dermatology, orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology. Sites like Indeed and LinkedIn are flooded with postings from these smaller employers. They often offer a more intimate work environment and direct physician interaction.

Hiring Trends: There is a constant demand for MAs with electronic health record (EHR) experience, particularly with systems like Epic and Cerner, which are used by Summa and Cleveland Clinic, respectively. Bilingual candidates (especially Spanish-speaking) have a significant advantage in community health settings. Specialized experience in areas like phlebotomy, EKGs, or ophthalmology can also make your resume stand out.

Getting Licensed in Ohio

Ohio has specific requirements for Medical Assistants. Unlike some states, Ohio does not have a state-specific MA license. However, certification is highly expected by employers.

• Required Certifications: Most employers in Akron require you to be certified by a recognized national agency. The two main ones are:
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
  • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is also accepted by some employers.
• Educational Path: You'll need to graduate from an accredited Medical Assisting program (typically an associate degree or certificate program). There are several good programs in Northeast Ohio, including those at Stark State College (with a campus in Akron) and University of Akron (through its continuing education division).
• Costs & Timeline:
  • Program Cost: $4,000 - $12,000 depending on the institution and program length.
  • Certification Exam: $120 - $250.
  • Timeline: A certificate program can take 9-12 months. An associate degree takes about 2 years. Once you graduate, you can schedule your certification exam.
• Insider Tip: Many employers, especially larger systems like Cleveland Clinic and Summa, offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs if you commit to working for them for a certain period. It's worth asking about during the interview process.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Akron can impact your commute and lifestyle. Here are four solid options:

1. West Akron / Fairlawn: This is a classic, established suburb with great schools, parks, and shopping (like the Fairlawn Mall area). Commutes to Cleveland Clinic Akron General or Summa's main campus are easy via I-77. It's family-friendly but has a higher rent average.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,200
2. Downtown Akron / North Hill: For those who want city life. Downtown is revitalizing with new restaurants, bars, and the University of Akron. North Hill is a diverse, historic neighborhood with more affordable options. Commute to any downtown hospital or clinic is a breeze, often walkable or a short drive.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $950
3. Cuyahoga Falls / Stow: Just north of Akron, these are quiet, suburban communities with a strong sense of town pride. Excellent for families. The commute to Akron's hospitals is straightforward via Routes 8 or 21. Home to Western Reserve Hospital.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,100
4. Ellet / Springfield Township: A more affordable, working-class area on the northeast side. It's close to Summa's Barberton campus and has a mix of older homes and apartments. Commute to the main hospital campus is manageable via local roads or I-76.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $650 - $850

The Long Game: Career Growth

Akron offers a clear path for career progression beyond the standard MA role.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs with specific skills earn more. For instance:
  • Phlebotomy / EKG Tech: Often an add-on certification that can boost pay by $1-$2/hour.
  • Ophthalmic Assistant: Specialized training in eye care can lead to roles in private ophthalmology practices, which are plentiful in Akron.
  • Surgical Technologist (with MA background): While not a direct MA role, some MAs transition into surgical tech programs, leveraging their clinical experience for a higher salary (often $45,000+ in Akron).
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead Medical Assistant: Overseeing a team of MAs in a clinic.
  2. Clinical Coordinator / Practice Manager: Moving into administrative and managerial roles, often requiring additional education (e.g., a bachelor's in healthcare administration).
  3. Specialized Certifications: Becoming a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Certified EKG Technician (CET) to take on more complex duties.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 15% job growth projection, the field is expanding. However, automation and changes in healthcare delivery will shift the role. MAs who are tech-savvy, adaptable, and skilled in patient communication will be most valuable. The growth will likely be strongest in outpatient settings and community health.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $37,443 salary goes much further here than in larger metros.	Salary Ceiling: While stable, top-end MA salaries in Akron are lower than in major coastal cities.
Stable Job Market: 377 jobs and 15% growth indicate strong demand.	Weather: Winters can be long, gray, and snowy, which may not suit everyone.
Major Healthcare Employers: Access to top-tier systems like Cleveland Clinic and Summa.	Limited Public Transit: A car is almost a necessity for reliable commuting.
Manageable City Size: Easy commutes, less traffic, and a sense of community.	Cultural Scene is growing but smaller than in Columbus or Cleveland.
Path to Homeownership: Very achievable on an MA salary.

Final Recommendation: Akron is an excellent choice for Medical Assistants who prioritize stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community over the highest possible salary. If you want to build a stable life, buy a home, and grow within a supportive healthcare network, Akron is a fantastic fit. It's not a glamorous, high-growth tech city, but it's a practical, rewarding place to build a career in healthcare.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to work as an MA in Ohio?
While Ohio doesn't require a state license, nearly all reputable employers (hospitals, large clinics) require national certification (CMA, RMA, or NCMA). It's a non-negotiable for a competitive job search.

2. How long does it take to find a job in Akron?
With the current demand, qualified and certified MAs can typically find a job within 1-3 months of a focused search. Having EHR experience and being open to various specialties (not just one) speeds this up.

3. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 92.8 is a real figure. The average rent of $816 for a 1BR is accurate and significantly below the national average. You will feel the difference in your monthly budget.

4. What's the commute like in Akron?
Generally good. The city is built around a highway system (I-77, I-76, I-277, and Route 8). Most commutes from the suburbs listed are under 20 minutes. Traffic is far lighter than in Cleveland or Columbus, especially during rush hour.

5. Can I work in Akron without a car?
It's very challenging. While the METRO RTA bus system exists, it doesn't cover all areas with the frequency needed for shift work (including nights and weekends). For reliability, especially for hospital jobs that start early, a car is recommended.