Medical Assistant in Edmond, OK

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Medical Assistants considering a move to Edmond, Oklahoma.

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The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

If you're looking at the numbers for Medical Assistants in Edmond, the first thing to understand is that you're entering a market that’s affordable, but not high-paying. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Edmond is $37,236/year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.9/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $38,270/year, the low cost of living here makes that salary go further than it would in most metro areas.

To understand where you fit in the salary spectrum, experience is the biggest driver. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Edmond metro area.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,500 - $34,000	$15.14 - $16.35
Mid-Career (3-6 years)	$37,236 (Median)	$17.90
Senior (7-12 years)	$40,500 - $43,000	$19.47 - $20.67
Expert/Lead (13+ years)	$45,000+	$21.63+

How does this stack up against other Oklahoma cities? Edmond sits in the middle of the pack. It’s part of the Oklahoma City metro, which has a job market of 196 positions for Medical Assistants. While salaries in Tulsa might be slightly higher due to a larger hospital system, Edmond offers a unique combination of suburban calm and access to major healthcare providers without the intense competition found in dense urban cores.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many practices in Edmond, especially those affiliated with larger health systems, offer benefits that significantly increase total compensation. A $37,236 salary with full health insurance, a 401(k) match, and paid time off is functionally worth much more than a slightly higher salary at a smaller practice with minimal benefits.

Experience-Level Breakdown Table

To visualize the career progression, here is a more detailed look at how your responsibilities—and compensation—typically evolve in the Edmond area.

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Salary Range
Entry-Level	Phlebotomy, vitals, patient intake, EHR data entry, basic administrative tasks.	$31,500 - $34,000
Mid-Career	Complex lab work, medication administration, patient education, scheduling, assisting with minor procedures.	$35,000 - $39,000
Senior	Training new MAs, managing supply inventory, handling difficult patient cases, acting as a clinical liaison.	$40,000 - $44,000
Expert/Lead	Lead MA role, overseeing clinic flow, quality control, potential for administrative management track.	$45,000+

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $37,236 translates to roughly $3,103 per month before taxes. In Oklahoma, you’ll pay federal taxes, state income tax (currently 4.75% for most brackets), and FICA. After these deductions, your take-home pay will likely be in the range of $2,550 - $2,650 per month.

The biggest financial advantage in Edmond is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is just $773/month. This is incredibly low compared to national averages. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a Medical Assistant earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner)

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,103
• Estimated Net Income (After Taxes): $2,600
• Rent (1BR Average): $773
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas): $150
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Gas/Insurance (Essential in Edmond): $450
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-paid): $150
• Phone/Internet: $100
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Clothing, Savings): $277

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires careful planning. With the median salary, a single MA would likely qualify for an FHA loan on a starter home in the $150,000 - $200,000 range. Edmond has many older, well-maintained homes in neighborhoods like the Town Center area or near the University of Central Oklahoma that fall into this price point. However, with rising interest rates, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could easily exceed $1,100/month, which would be a significant portion of your take-home pay. It’s more feasible for a dual-income household or after a few years of salary growth.

Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

Edmond is not just a bedroom community; it has a robust healthcare sector anchored by its proximity to Oklahoma City. The job market of 196 positions is stable, with a 10-year job growth of 15%, which is strong for the region. Here are the primary places you should be applying:

1. OU Health - Edmond Medical Center: This is the biggest player. As part of the state's only comprehensive academic health system, this hospital and its attached clinics offer the most diverse opportunities. They hire MAs for family medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics, and surgical specialties. They offer competitive benefits and clear pathways for advancement, which is why many MAs in the area aim to get their foot in the door here.

2. Mercy Clinic - Edmond: Part of the massive Mercy health system, this clinic network has multiple locations throughout Edmond, including a large facility near the I-35 and 2nd Street interchange. They are consistently hiring for their primary care and specialty clinics. The culture here is known for being team-oriented, but the pace can be fast.

3. Integris Health Edmond: Another major health system with a growing presence. Integris operates several clinics in Edmond, focusing on primary care, women's health, and urgent care. They often have a lower turnover rate, so openings can be competitive when they appear.

4. St. Anthony Health Clinic: Located in the heart of Edmond, this clinic provides a more community-focused feel. It’s a great environment for an MA who prefers a smaller team and a closer relationship with patients. They specialize in internal medicine and geriatrics.

5. Private Specialty Practices: Edmond has a thriving private practice scene. Look for practices in orthopedics (Edmond is a hub for this), dermatology, and ophthalmology. These practices often pay at the higher end of the spectrum ($40,000+) due to the specialized nature of the work, but they may offer fewer benefits than the large hospital systems. A key example is the cluster of practices around the St. Anthony Hospital campus.

Hiring Trends: The demand is strongest in primary care and urgent care. There's also a growing need for MAs with experience in telehealth support and patient portal management, skills that became essential during the pandemic and are now standard.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma has specific regulations for Medical Assistants. It’s crucial to understand the difference between being "registered" and "certified."

• Certification vs. Registration: In Oklahoma, the title "Medical Assistant" is protected. To use it, you must be registered with the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision (OSBMLS). To be registered, you must graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant program and pass a national certification exam (like the CMA from AAMA or RMA from AMT).
• State-Specific Requirements: The OSBMLS requires proof of your education (diploma or degree) from an accredited school and a copy of your national certification. You will also need to complete a background check.
• Costs:
  • Accredited Program Tuition: $2,500 - $15,000 (depending on community college vs. private career school).
  • National Certification Exam Fee: $120 - $150.
  • Oklahoma State Registration Fee: $115 (as of current OSBMLS fee schedule).
  • Background Check: $40 - $60.
• Timeline: An accredited program typically takes 9-12 months to complete. After graduation, you can sit for your national exam. Once you pass, you can apply for state registration, which usually takes 2-4 weeks to process.

Insider Tip: Many employers in Edmond, especially the larger health systems, will hire you as a "MA-C" (Medical Assistant - Certified) or "MA-R" (Medical Assistant - Registered) trainee if you are in the final stages of your program. This allows you to start working and gain experience while you complete your certification and registration paperwork.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Edmond is a sprawling suburb, and your neighborhood choice will directly impact your commute and lifestyle. Here are the top areas to consider, with estimated rent for a 1BR.

Neighborhood	Vibe / Commute to Major Employers	Estimated 1BR Rent
Downtown / Town Center	Walkable, historic charm, near OU Health Edmond Medical Center. Best for no-car or short-car commutes.	$850 - $1,100
North Edmond (East of I-35)	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. Slightly longer commute to downtown clinics (10-15 mins).	$800 - $950
West Edmond (Near Lake Hefner)	More upscale, great outdoor access, newer apartments. Commute to major clinics via Kilpatrick Turnpike is efficient.	$875 - $1,200
South Edmond / Coffee Creek	Affordable, convenient to I-35 and the Memorial Road corridor. Mix of older homes and newer apartments.	$700 - $850
University District	Vibrant, college-town feel near UCO. Affordable rent, but can be busier. Commute to any clinic is under 10 mins.	$650 - $800

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 15% for Medical Assistants in the Edmond metro is a positive sign, but longevity in the field requires specialization and pursuing additional responsibilities.

Specialty Premiums:
While the median is $37,236, MAs in high-demand specialties can earn more.

• Ophthalmology/Orthopedics: These are major specialties in Edmond. MAs here often earn $39,000 - $42,000 due to the technical skills required (e.g., assisting with minor procedures, specific diagnostic tests).
• Phlebotomy: If you have a strong phlebotomy certification and can work in a high-volume lab setting (like at a major hospital), you can command a premium.
• Technology & EHR: Becoming the clinic's "super-user" for the Electronic Health Record system (like Epic or Cerner, common at OU Health and Mercy) can lead to leadership roles.

Advancement Paths:
The traditional path is to move into a Lead MA or Clinical Supervisor role, which can push you into the $45,000 - $50,000 range. A more lucrative path is to use your MA experience as a stepping stone to other healthcare roles. Many MAs in Edmond go back to school part-time for nursing (RN) or to become a Physician Assistant (PA). Your clinical experience is invaluable for these applications, and several programs are available within the Oklahoma City metro.

10-Year Outlook: With the aging population of Oklahoma and the expansion of services at OU Health and other systems, the demand for skilled MAs will remain strong. The key will be staying adaptable—learning new technologies, pursuing specialty certifications, and being open to roles in both traditional clinics and newer models like telehealth support centers.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

Edmond offers a compelling package for a Medical Assistant, but it’s not for everyone. It’s a stable, affordable market with a clear path to a comfortable lifestyle, but it lacks the high-energy, high-paying environment of a major coastal city.

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living vs. national average (Index: 91.0).	Salaries are below the national average ($37,236 vs. $38,270).
Stable job market with 15% growth and 196 openings.	Career advancement may require moving into management or leaving clinical work.
Access to major health systems (OU Health, Mercy, Integris) for career growth.	Car-dependent city; public transit is limited.
Safe, family-friendly suburbs with good schools and amenities.	Can feel "quiet" or limited in nightlife/diversity for younger professionals.
Short, manageable commutes within the metro area.	High specialty premiums are limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.

Final Recommendation: Edmond is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who is value-conscious, prioritizes a stable work-life balance, and wants to build a long-term career in a supportive healthcare environment. It’s ideal for those who are early in their career and looking for a place where their salary can stretch, or for those with families seeking safety and quality schools. If your primary goal is to maximize your salary above all else, you may find more lucrative opportunities in larger metros like Dallas or Oklahoma City proper, but you won't find the same affordability.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to work as a Medical Assistant in Edmond?
Yes. Oklahoma law requires MAs to be registered with the state board. To register, you must graduate from an accredited program and pass a national certification exam (CMA or RMA). Employers will not hire you without this.

2. Is the commute from Edmond to Oklahoma City hospitals difficult?
It depends on the time of day. The commute from south Edmond to the downtown OKC hospital district can take 20-30 minutes on I-35. However, most Medical Assistant jobs in Edmond are within the Edmond city limits itself, so a longer commute is often unnecessary.

3. What is the job market really like? Is it hard to find a position?
The market is competitive but healthy. With 196 jobs in the metro and 15% growth, there are opportunities. The key is to be flexible with specialty and to apply to multiple systems (OU Health, Mercy, Integris). Having your certification and registration in hand before you apply will make you a much stronger candidate.

4. Can I live in Edmond on a Medical Assistant's salary?
Absolutely. With the median salary of $37,236 and average rent of $773/month, Edmond is one of the most affordable cities for healthcare workers. You can live comfortably, but you'll need to budget carefully, especially if you are supporting a family on a single income.

5. Are there opportunities for advancement without going back to school?
Yes. You can advance to a Lead MA or Clinical Supervisor role, which often comes with a pay increase. Specializing in a high-demand area like ophthalmology or becoming an EHR system expert can also lead to higher pay and more responsibility without requiring a full degree program.