Medical Assistant in Janesville, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Janesville Stands

As a local who’s seen the healthcare sector in Janesville evolve from the old Mercy Hospital on the south side to the modern SSM Health facility, I can tell you that medical assistant salaries here are modest but stable. You’re not chasing the high-end pay of a big metro, but you’re trading that for a lower cost of living and a strong sense of community.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Janesville is $37,282/year, which breaks down to $17.92/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $38,270/year, a typical trade-off for a smaller, affordable Midwest market like ours. With 132 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 15%, the market is active, particularly with the aging population driving demand at local clinics and hospitals.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in our area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Often starts at smaller private practices or larger hospital systems like SSM Health for training.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$37,000 - $40,000	This is where the median sits. Specializations (e.g., ophthalmology, orthopedics) can push you higher.
Senior (5-10 years)	$40,000 - $44,000	Leads to lead MA roles, often in specialties or at Epic-based systems like Mercyhealth.
Expert (10+ years)	$44,000+	Often moves into management, education, or highly specialized surgical assisting roles.

How does Janesville compare to other Wisconsin cities? For Medical Assistants, our pay is mid-range. It’s higher than rural areas but falls short of Milwaukee’s $40,120 or Madison’s $39,850. However, the Cost of Living Index in Janesville is 91.4 (US avg = 100), meaning your paycheck stretches significantly further here. In Milwaukee, you might earn a few thousand more, but your rent and taxes will eat up that difference.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Janesville employers often add incentives for evening or weekend shifts at clinics like those on the west side near the mall. Always ask about shift differentials and on-call pay during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. A median salary of $37,282 sounds manageable, but what’s the actual monthly take-home in Janesville?

Estimated Monthly Budget for a Single Medical Assistant (Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$3,107	Based on $37,282/year
Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$600	Varies with withholdings; WI has a progressive tax.
Net Monthly Income	~$2,507	This is your take-home pay.
Average 1BR Rent	$841	The city-wide average.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$180	Janesville winters mean higher heating costs.
Groceries	$350	Comparable to national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$150	Post-deductible contribution.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$250	Dining out, subscriptions, etc.
Total Monthly Expenses	~$2,121
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$386

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Janesville is around $175,000. With a $386/month savings rate, a standard 20% down payment ($35,000) would take over 7 years to save. However, many locals use Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) programs for first-time buyers, which allow for lower down payments. A dual-income household (e.g., a MA and a teacher, a common pairing in Janesville) makes home ownership very attainable. For a single income, renting in a neighborhood like Fort Atkinson or Clinton (nearby suburbs) is the more immediate, stress-free option.

Where the Jobs Are: Janesville's Major Employers

The healthcare landscape here is anchored by a few key players, with new growth in specialty clinics. I’ve seen hiring cycles ebb and flow with the seasons—spring and fall are often the busiest.

1. SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital (Janesville Campus): The largest employer. They use Epic for EHR, so if you have Epic experience, you’re ahead of the game. They hire for both inpatient and outpatient settings. Hiring is constant, but competition is higher for their main hospital roles versus their urgent care centers.
2. Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center: Located on the north side near I-90/39. A major trauma center, which means MAs here often get exposure to more acute care. They frequently post openings for their specialty clinics (orthopedics, cardiology). Insider Tip: Their wound care center is a growing area and often hires MAs with specific training.
3. Agrace Hospice: Not a hospital, but a critical employer. They serve the entire Rock County area. MAs here work in patient homes and at their inpatient facility. The role is different—more patient interaction, less frantic pace. They value compassion and reliability above all.
4. Beloit Health System: While based in Beloit (10 minutes south), they are a major employer for Rock County residents. Their new Beloit Hospital is modern and often recruits from Janesville’s talent pool. Commute is easy via I-43.
5. Private Practice Clinics: This is a huge sector. Think Janesville Dermatology, Rock County Orthopedics, or the numerous family medicine practices on the west side (near the Target and Woodman’s). These often offer more regular 9-5 hours but may have fewer benefits. A strong network here is built through word-of-mouth.
6. Urgent Care Franchises: Aurora QuickCare and SSM Health Urgent Care have locations in Janesville. They hire MAs for high-volume, fast-paced environments. Great for learning triage and a variety of presentations.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not have a state license for Medical Assistants. However, to perform specific tasks like phlebotomy, medication administration, or X-rays, you need formal certification and/or registration.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Education: You must graduate from an accredited MA program (accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES). This is non-negotiable for most reputable employers in Janesville.
• Certification: While not state-mandated, virtually all Janesville employers require national certification. The two main ones are:
  • CMA (AAMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants. This is the gold standard.
  • RMA (AMT) from the American Medical Technologists.
• Registry: To perform specific tasks (like X-rays), you must be on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT) or Radiographer registry. This requires additional education and exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• MA Program: 9-18 months. Tuition ranges from $4,000 - $12,000 at local technical colleges like Blackhawk Technical College (with a campus in Janesville) or the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College system.
• Certification Exam: ~$200-$250.
• DSPS Registry (if needed): Exam fee ~$100.
• Total Investment: Expect to spend $5,000 - $15,000 and 1-2 years to be fully ready and certified.

Insider Tip: Blackhawk Technical College’s Janesville campus is the local pipeline. Their program has strong clinical partnerships with SSM and Mercyhealth, which often leads to job offers before graduation. If you’re an out-of-state applicant, start the credential verification process early.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Your commute and lifestyle will depend heavily on where you live. Janesville is a driving city, but you can choose your vibe.

1. Central/Downtown: Walkable, historic, and close to SSM Health’s main campus. You’ll find older apartments and some new renovations. Rent for a 1BR is around $750-$900. Great for those who want to be near the farmers market and local cafes. Commute to most hospitals is under 10 minutes.
2. West Side (Near the Mall): Modern, family-friendly, and close to the bustling retail corridor (Target, Woodman’s, restaurants). This is where many healthcare professionals live. 1BR rent is $850-$1,100. Commute to SSM or Mercyhealth is 10-15 minutes. Very convenient for groceries and errands after a long shift.
3. South Side (near I-90/39): More suburban, with newer subdivisions. Home to the Rock County Fairgrounds and the older SSM clinic locations. Rent is similar to the west side. The commute is excellent for anyone working at Mercyhealth (north side) or Beloit. A quiet, family-oriented area.
4. Concordia/Delaware Street Area: A diverse, established neighborhood with a mix of housing. Close to the Rock River and parks. Rent can be slightly lower ($700-$850). It’s central, offering easy access to all major employers. A good option for those seeking community without the price tag of the west side.
5. Rural Fringes (e.g., Milton, Evansville): If you want more space and don’t mind a 15-25 minute commute, these towns offer lower rent (often under $700 for a house) and a stronger small-town feel. Many healthcare workers live in Milton and commute to Janesville or Beloit.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Janesville, career growth for MAs is more about specialization and taking on leadership roles within a practice rather than jumping to a different career path.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties earn $1-$3 more per hour than generalists. The most sought-after in our area are:

  • Ophthalmology & Optometry: (e.g., at Janesville Vision Clinic).
  • Orthopedics: (e.g., Rock County Orthopedics).
  • Dermatology: (e.g., Janesville Dermatology).
  • Cardiology: (at hospital-based clinics).

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Lead Medical Assistant: Supervises other MAs in a clinic. You might earn $42,000-$46,000.
  2. Clinical Coordinator/Office Manager: With 5+ years, you can move into practice management, earning $45,000-$55,000+.
  3. Specialized Certifications: Certifications in phlebotomy, EKG, or even medical coding (CPC) can open doors to new roles within the same system.
  4. Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs in Janesville use their experience and employer tuition reimbursement to become LPNs or RNs. Blackhawk Technical College has strong bridge programs.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 15% job growth is solid. The aging population in Rock County means more chronic disease management, which is the core of the MA role. The rise of telehealth post-pandemic has also changed the job, with more MAs handling virtual patient intake and follow-ups. The key to staying relevant is continuous learning and adapting to new tech, especially EHR systems.

The Verdict: Is Janesville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong job market with 15% projected growth and major employers like SSM and Mercyhealth.	Salaries are below national average. You trade pay for cost of living.
Very affordable cost of living (Index 91.4). Rent and home prices are manageable.	Limited public transportation. A reliable car is a must.
Stable, community-focused healthcare sector. Less turnover than big cities.	Can feel "closed" socially. Building a network takes time and effort.
Easy access to nature (Ice Age Trail, Rock River). Good work-life balance.	Winters are long and harsh. A real factor for mental health and commute.
Proximity to larger cities. Madison (45 min) and Chicago (90 min) for weekend trips.	Limited specialized training opportunities compared to Madison or Milwaukee.

Final Recommendation: Janesville is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who values stability, affordability, and a slower pace of life. It’s ideal for those starting their career, looking to buy a home, or raising a family. If you’re driven by maximizing salary and craving a bustling, diverse social scene, you might find it limiting. For the right person, it’s a place to build a solid, fulfilling career without the financial stress of a major metro.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to work as an MA in Janesville?
While Wisconsin doesn’t mandate a state license, yes, you should be certified. Major employers like SSM Health and Mercyhealth require national certification (CMA or RMA) for almost all MA positions. It’s the standard of care here.

2. How competitive is the job market for new MAs?
It’s reasonably competitive but growing. New graduates from local programs often get jobs through clinical rotations. If you’re from out of state, highlight any EHR experience (especially Epic) and be open to starting in a specialty clinic or urgent care to get your foot in the door. Apply broadly.

3. What is the typical schedule?
Most jobs are full-time, weekday hours (8-5 or 9-6) in outpatient clinics. Hospital-based MAs may have evening, weekend, or on-call shifts. Urgent care roles definitely require weekend and holiday availability. Be sure to ask about call schedules in interviews.

4. Is Janesville a good place for a single MA?
It can be, with caveats. The social scene is quieter, so you’ll need to be proactive about joining clubs, sports leagues, or volunteer groups. The dating pool is smaller than in Madison. However, the low cost of living means you can afford a nice apartment and have disposable income for travel. It’s a great place to save money and focus on your career.

5. What’s the best way to network in the local healthcare community?
Attend events hosted by the Rock County Medical Society or Blackhawk Technical College’s alumni network. Many local practices are small, and jobs are filled through referrals. Connect with clinic managers on LinkedIn. Remember, in a town like Janesville, your reputation matters. Be professional and reliable from day one.