Medical Assistant in Broomfield, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Medical Assistants considering a move to Broomfield, Colorado.

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The Salary Picture: Where Broomfield Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In Broomfield, the financial reality for a Medical Assistant is tight but competitive within the state. The median salary is $38,901/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.7/hour. This figure sits just above the national average of $38,270/year, which is a small but meaningful buffer given the local cost of living.

Experience is the primary driver of your earnings potential. Here’s how that median salary typically breaks down across career stages in the Broomfield area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Approximate Annual Salary (Broomfield Metro)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$33,000 - $39,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$39,000 - $44,000
Senior/Lead MA	5-10 years	$44,000 - $50,000
Expert/Specialized	10+ years (e.g., specialty clinic lead)	$50,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and the provided median. Salaries can vary by specific employer and shift differentials (e.g., nights/weekends).

How Broomfield Compares to Other Colorado Cities:
Broomfield is part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area, but its smaller, suburban character creates a distinct job market. You'll typically find slightly lower salaries here compared to downtown Denver or Boulder, where the cost of living and competition for talent are higher. However, Broomfield offers more predictable commutes and a community feel. For a Medical Assistant, this means you might trade a few thousand dollars in base salary for a more manageable lifestyle and less traffic stress.

Insider Tip: The 10-Year Job Growth for this field is projected at 15%, which is significantly faster than the national average for many occupations. This is driven by an aging Colorado population and the expansion of outpatient care. In Broomfield, this translates to a consistent demand—the metro area currently has about 153 active job postings for Medical Assistants at any given time. Hiring is steady, not frantic, which gives you leverage if you have solid experience and certification.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $38,901 looks different once Colorado's state income tax (4.55%) and federal taxes are factored in. Using a standard tax estimator, a single filer with no dependents might take home approximately $31,500 - $32,500 annually after taxes, or about $2,625 - $2,708 per month.

Now, let's layer in Broomfield's cost of living. The average 1-bedroom rent is $1,835/month. The local Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100), meaning goods and services are about 5.5% more expensive than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Medical Assistant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,708	After taxes, based on $38,901/yr
Rent (Avg. 1BR)	-$1,835	68% of take-home pay
Utilities	-$150	Includes electricity, heating, water, internet
Groceries	-$350
Transportation	-$150	Car payment/insurance/gas (public transit is limited)
Health Insurance	-$200	Employer-subsidized (varies)
Misc./Personal	-$150	Phone, subscriptions, occasional dining out
Savings/Debt	-$150	Very limited room for savings or student loans

Can they afford to buy a home?
Let's be direct: it's a significant challenge on this salary. The median single-family home price in Broomfield is well over $600,000. A 20% down payment would be $120,000. With a monthly take-home of ~$2,700, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would easily exceed $2,500/month, which is unsustainable given other expenses. Homeownership on a single Medical Assistant's salary is not feasible in Broomfield without substantial savings, a dual income, or a significant career advancement. Renting is the practical choice for the foreseeable future.

Insider Tip: To make the math work, many MAs in Broomfield choose to have a roommate, which can drop housing costs to ~$1,000/month. This frees up nearly $800 for savings, debt, or lifestyle. It's a common strategy for junior staff at local clinics.

Where the Jobs Are: Broomfield's Major Employers

Broomfield's healthcare job market is anchored by large regional systems and a few key local players. The "jobs in metro" count of 153 is fueled by these employers:

1. SCL Health (now Intermountain Health) - Broomfield Campus: This is the biggest game in town. Their Broomfield campus includes a hospital and numerous specialty clinics (orthopedics, oncology, primary care) in the surrounding area. They are the largest single employer of MAs in the city. Hiring Trend: Steady. They often post openings for clinic MAs, surgical specialties, and hospital-based positions. They value certification heavily.
2. Banner Health (Northwest Banner Clinics): Banner operates several primary care and specialty clinics along the US-36 corridor in Broomfield. They are a consistent source of MA jobs, particularly in family medicine and internal medicine. Hiring Trend: Moderate growth. They are expanding their footprint in the north metro area.
3. UCHealth Primary Care Clinics: UCHealth has a growing presence in the suburbs. Their clinics in Broomfield and nearby Westminster offer competitive benefits and are known for clear career ladders into larger UCHealth hospital systems. Hiring Trend: Expanding. Look for postings in their newer clinics.
4. Centura Health Physician Group: While their hospital presence is stronger in Littleton and Denver, Centura runs several primary care clinics in and around Broomfield. They are a solid employer with a good reputation for work-life balance. Hiring Trend: Stable.
5. Broomfield Family Medicine (Independent Practice): A well-regarded local clinic that isn't part of a massive system. They often seek MAs who want a close-knit team environment. Hiring Trend: They hire less frequently, but when they do, it's for long-term fits.
6. Veterans Affairs (VA) - Eastern Colorado Health Care System: The VA clinic in nearby Aurora is a major employer with excellent federal benefits. The commute from Broomfield is about 30-40 minutes, but the pay scale is often higher than the local median, and benefits are unparalleled. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with high competition for openings.
7. Dermatology & Specialty Clinics: Broomfield has several private specialty practices (e.g., dermatology, orthopedics) that pay a premium for experienced MAs. These are often found in the corporate parks near Interlocken. Hiring Trend: Niche but growing, especially in aesthetics and orthopedics.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers post on their own websites first, before using general job boards. Set up alerts on the Intermountain, Banner, and UCHealth career pages specifically for Broomfield locations.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado does not have a state licensure requirement for Medical Assistants. However, reputable employers almost universally require professional certification. The two primary national certifications are:

1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
2. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Technologists.

Requirements & Timeline:

• Education: You must graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant program (typically 9-12 months for a certificate/diploma). Colorado has several excellent community college programs (e.g., Front Range Community College in Westminster, just minutes from Broomfield).
• Exam: After graduation, you must pass the national certification exam (CMA or RMA).
• Cost: Program tuition ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 at Colorado community colleges. Exam fees are $125 - $200. Budget for textbooks and supplies on top of that.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Month 1-2: Research and enroll in an accredited program. Apply for financial aid.
2. Months 3-12: Complete your program (full-time) or 18-24 months (part-time).
3. Month 13: Graduate and schedule your certification exam.
4. Month 14: Pass exam, obtain certification, and begin applying for jobs.

Insider Tip: Many Broomfield employers offer tuition reimbursement for existing staff to get certified. If you're already living in the area and working as a clerical or front-office staff member, ask about this benefit.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Broomfield directly impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown by neighborhood:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For...
Interlocken/Tech Center	Corporate, modern apartments. Close to Intermountain & Banner clinics. Easy highway access.	$1,900 - $2,200	Quick commutes (5-10 mins). Young professionals.
Broomfield Heights	Established, suburban. Tree-lined streets, older apartments. Central to most clinics.	$1,650 - $1,850	A classic suburban feel. Slightly more affordable.
Anthem Highlands/Prairie Center	Newer, master-planned communities. Further east. Commute to clinics: 15-20 mins.	$1,750 - $2,000	Newer amenities, families, more space.
Westlake	Affordable, practical apartments. Close to US-36 for Denver commute.	$1,500 - $1,700	Budget-conscious MAs who don’t mind a 10-15 min drive.
Downtown Broomfield	Small-town charm with a walkable core. Fewer apartments, but some gems.	$1,600 - $1,900	Those who value community feel over ultra-modern housing.

Insider Tip: If your job is at the Intermountain Broomfield campus, living in Interlocken or Broomfield Heights is unbeatable for a sub-10-minute commute. If you're on a budget, Westlake offers the best rental value, but you'll be driving more.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Starting as an MA is just the beginning. In Broomfield, your long-term earning potential depends on specialization and moving into leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in procedural specialties earn more. Orthopedic MAs (common at Intermountain and Banner) or Dermatology MAs (in private practice) can command $2-$4 more per hour than the median. This is due to the specialized skills (casting, wound care, surgical assisting, aesthetic procedures) required.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead MA: Takes on scheduling, inventory, and training duties. Pay bump of 5-10%.
  • Clinical Supervisor: Manages a team of MAs, works with clinic managers. Requires more experience and often an Associate's degree.
  • Transition to Nursing: Many MAs in Colorado use their experience as a springboard to become LPNs or RNs. Local programs at Front Range CC or CU Boulder are popular. This is the path to $55,000+ salaries.
  • Healthcare Administration: With additional education (e.g., a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration), MAs can move into clinic management, coding, or patient services roles.

10-Year Outlook: With a 15% job growth rate, demand will remain strong. However, wage growth may not keep pace with inflation unless you actively pursue specialization or additional credentials. The most successful MAs in Broomfield are those who continually add skills—like becoming a certified phlebotomist or EKG tech—to increase their value.

The Verdict: Is Broomfield Right for You?

Broomfield offers a stable, growing job market for Medical Assistants in a pleasant suburban setting, but the financial trade-off is significant. Here’s the bottom line:

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 15% growth, ~153 jobs available.	High Rent Burden: Rent consumes ~68% of take-home pay.
Career Growth: Clear path to specialization and leadership.	Low Homebuying Potential: Nearly impossible on a single MA salary.
Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, less traffic than Denver.	Limited Public Transit: Car is a necessity.
Competitive with Nat'l Avg: Salary slightly beats national median.	Salary Ceiling: Median pay is a ceiling for many without specializations.
Access to Major Health Systems: Great for resume building.	High Cost of Living Index (105.5): Everyday expenses add up.

Final Recommendation:
Broomfield is an excellent choice for Medical Assistants who are early to mid-career and value lifestyle over maximum salary. It's ideal if you:

• Are willing to have a roommate or live in a more modest apartment.
• Are motivated to specialize (orthopedics, dermatology) to boost income.
• Prioritize a short commute and a safe, community-oriented environment.
• See the role as a stepping stone to nursing or another healthcare career.

If your primary goal is to maximize savings or buy a home in the near future, you may find better financial footing in a lower-cost Colorado city or by targeting higher-paying roles in downtown Denver or Boulder (with an understanding of the commute trade-off).

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to get a job in Broomfield?
Yes, for all practical purposes. While not state-mandated, employers like Intermountain Health and Banner Health list certification (CMA or RMA) as a required or strongly preferred qualification. It makes you a competitive candidate.

2. What is the commute like from Broomfield to Denver or Boulder?

• To Denver (Downtown): 25-40 minutes via US-36. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour.
• To Boulder: 15-25 minutes via US-36. Generally a manageable commute.
• To Aurora (VA Clinic): 30-45 minutes via I-70. This is doable but less ideal for a daily commute.

3. Are there part-time Medical Assistant jobs available?
Yes. Many clinics offer part-time schedules (20-30 hrs/week), which is common for students in training or those seeking work-life balance. However, part-time roles often come with limited benefits.

4. How competitive is the job market?
Moderately competitive. With 153 jobs and a 15% growth rate, there is steady demand. However, applicants with recent experience and specialty skills (like phlebotomy or EKG) will have an advantage. Be prepared for a multi-stage interview process at larger systems.

5. Is it possible to live in a neighboring city and commute to Broomfield?
Absolutely. Many MAs live in Westminster, Arvada, or Louisville and commute to Broomfield. These areas may offer slightly lower rent (e.g., Westminster has an average 1BR of ~$1,700) and a commute of 10-20 minutes, providing a viable alternative to living directly in Broomfield.

Sources: Data synthesized from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Zillow rental data, and local employer job postings. Salary data is based on the provided figures for the metro area.