Medical Assistant in Lakewood, CO

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

---

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Lakewood isn't the highest-paying city in Colorado for Medical Assistants, but it's a solid, stable market. The median salary of $38,901/year and hourly rate of $18.7/hour sit right in the sweet spot for the Denver metro area. You're not in the high-cost central Denver core, but you're close enough to its job opportunities without the downtown rent.

When you compare this to the national average of $38,270/year, Lakewood is slightly above the national curve. The real advantage here is the local job market, with 311 jobs in the metro area at any given time, indicating steady demand.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Lakewood area:

Experience Level	Typical Lakewood Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$34,000 - $39,000	Phlebotomy, vital signs, patient intake, EKGs, basic chart prep.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$39,000 - $44,000	Specialized clinical duties, front-office management, patient education, training new hires.
Senior/Lead (5-10 years)	$44,000 - $50,000	Lead MA, clinical supervisor, managing workflow, quality control, advanced procedures.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$50,000+	Specialty-specific (e.g., ophthalmology, orthopedics), clinic manager, teaching, or corporate roles.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth of 15% is a critical data point. This is faster than the national average for many professions, driven by Colorado's aging population and the expansion of healthcare services in the suburbs. This growth is particularly visible in the growing clinics along the Wadsworth corridor and near the Lutheran Medical Center campus.

Comparison to Other CO Cities:

• Denver: Slightly higher median, but cost of living is significantly steeper. Commuting from Lakewood is a viable strategy.
• Colorado Springs: Similar salary range, but the job market is more dominated by military health systems and a different demographic.
• Fort Collins: Higher median salary due to a strong university and biotech presence, but a much smaller metro area with fewer total jobs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $38,901 translates to about $3,242 per month gross. After federal, state, and local taxes (FICA, Colorado income tax, etc.), your take-home pay will likely be in the range of $2,700 - $2,900 per month.

Lakewood's average rent for a 1BR is $1,835/month. This is where the math gets real.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an MA Earning $38,901:

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$3,242
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$2,800
• Rent (1BR Average): $1,835
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transit, Savings: ~$965

The Cost of Living Index is 105.5 (US avg = 100). This means everything from groceries to auto insurance is about 5.5% more expensive than the national average. While this isn't as severe as Denver's index (which is over 115), it still squeezes that remaining $965.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $38,901 salary, buying a home in Lakewood is challenging but not impossible with careful planning. The median home price in Lakewood hovers around $500,000. A 20% down payment is $100,000. A mortgage of $400,000 would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) likely exceeding $2,500—well above a comfortable 30% of your gross income. Most Medical Assistants in this salary range either rent or purchase homes with a dual-income household.

Insider Tip: Many local MAs share apartments or live with family to build savings. Consider looking at older apartment complexes along the 6th Avenue corridor; they often have slightly lower rents and are on major bus lines to hospitals.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood is a healthcare hub for the western Denver metro. The jobs are not just at one giant hospital but spread across a network of clinics, specialty practices, and regional systems.

1. CommonSpirit Health (formerly Catholic Health Initiatives): This is the big player. They operate St. Anthony Hospital in nearby Lakewood/Golden and a vast network of primary care and specialty clinics throughout the west side. Hiring is constant for both inpatient and outpatient MAs. They offer strong benefits and tuition assistance for advancing your degree.

2. UCHealth: While its flagship is in Aurora, UCHealth has a massive presence in Lakewood with UCHealth Primary Care – Belmar and other specialty clinics. They are known for being a tech-forward system, so MAs here often get trained on Epic EMR and digital patient tools. This is a great resume builder.

3. SCL Health (now part of Intermountain): Intermountain has a major clinic presence in Lakewood, especially in the Wadsworth and 6th Avenue corridors. They are aggressively expanding their primary care footprint, which means a high demand for MAs in outpatient settings. Their focus on integrated care models provides good experience for career growth.

4. Denver Health: While based in Denver, Denver Health operates the Lakewood Family Health Center. This is a critical safety-net provider. Working here gives you incredible experience with diverse patient populations and complex cases. The pace is fast, but the clinical experience is unmatched.

5. Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser's Lakewood Medical Offices are a major employer. As an HMO, they have a highly structured environment. This is excellent for MAs who prefer clear protocols and predictable workflows. Kaiser is known for offering some of the best benefits packages in the industry.

6. Centura Health: Operates Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, which is immediately adjacent to Lakewood. Many Lakewood residents work here. Centura also has numerous urgent care and specialty clinics in the area. Their "Healing Hands" program for MA externships is a popular local pathway to employment.

7. Private Specialty Practices: Don't overlook smaller employers. Lakewood has a high concentration of orthopedic, dermatology, and ophthalmology practices, especially near the Colorado Mills and Belmar areas. These private clinics often pay at the higher end of the scale and offer a more intimate work environment.

Hiring Trends: There is a clear shift towards outpatient care. While hospital jobs exist, the bulk of the 311 metro jobs are in clinics, urgent cares, and specialty offices. Experience with Epic or Cerner EMRs is a huge plus, as is phlebotomy certification. Bilingual skills (Spanish) are highly sought after.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not require a national certification (like the CMA from AAMA) to work as a Medical Assistant, but 99% of employers do. It’s effectively a requirement. The state does require MAs who perform specific delegated medical acts (like administering medications or injections) to be under the direct supervision of a licensed provider.

Pathway to Employment:

1. Complete an Accredited Program: Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Local options include Pima Medical Institute (Denver and Aurora campuses, easy commutes), Concorde Career College (Denver), and Emily Griffith Technical College (Denver). Community colleges like Red Rocks Community College (Lakewood campus) offer affordable, high-quality programs.
2. Get Certified: Pass a national exam. The most common 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).
3. Apply for State Registration (if needed): Colorado does not have a state-issued MA license. Your certification is your credential. You will need to provide proof of your certification and your diploma to employers.

Timeline & Costs:

• Program Length: 9 months to 2 years for an associate degree.
• Cost: $2,000 - $15,000 depending on the program (community colleges are on the lower end).
• Exam Fee: Approximately $120 - $250.
• Total Time to Get Started: If starting from scratch, expect 12-18 months to complete school, pass your exam, and land a job.

Insider Tip: Many local health systems, like St. Anthony and UCHealth, offer paid externships as part of their hiring process. If you're a recent graduate, applying for these roles can be a direct path to employment without the need for prior experience.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Choosing where to live in Lakewood is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are four top picks:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why MAs Love It
Belmar	Urban, walkable, retail/dining hub. 15-20 min commute to most clinics.	$1,900 - $2,200	Close to St. Anthony, UCHealth, and retail jobs. Great for a social lifestyle. Parking can be tight.
Wadsworth/6th Ave Corridor	Classic suburban, accessible. 10-25 min commute.	$1,600 - $1,900	Direct bus lines to major hospitals. Older, more affordable apartments. Car-dependent but easy highway access.
Green Mountain	Quiet, family-oriented, scenic. 15-25 min commute.	$1,700 - $2,000	Close to St. Anthony and Lutheran. More townhome/condo options. Beautiful hikes at Green Mountain Park.
Edgewater/West Colfax	Gritty, up-and-coming, very diverse. 10-20 min commute.	$1,400 - $1,700	Most affordable rents. Strong community feel. Close to Denver Health and quick access to I-25.

Insider Tip: If you work at a clinic in the Belmar area, consider living in Edgewater. You can take the W Line light rail or the 16th Street bus shuttle for a cheap, traffic-free commute, saving on gas and parking.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 15% means you have room to advance, but you need a plan in Lakewood.

Specialty Premiums:
MAs in high-demand specialties earn more. In Lakewood, you can find premiums for:

• Ophthalmology & Optometry: Often $2-3/hour above base.
• Dermatology: Cosmetic and medical derm offices, especially in Belmar, pay well.
• Orthopedics: Common in Lakewood due to an active, aging population. Requires knowledge of splinting and casting.
• Cardiology/Electrophysiology: Found at clinics near St. Anthony and Lutheran. Requires advanced EKG and monitoring skills.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Many systems (like CommonSpirit and UCHealth) have a clinical ladder. You can move from MA I to MA II, MA III, and eventually Lead MA or Clinical Supervisor, which comes with a pay bump and leadership responsibilities.
2. Go Back to School: Use tuition reimbursement from your employer to become an RN. Several local health systems have partnerships with local colleges for this. An RN in Lakewood can earn $70,000+.
3. Move into Administration: With experience, you can transition to a Practice Manager or Clinic Administrator role, focusing on operations, billing, and staffing rather than direct patient care.
4. Telehealth & Specialized Roles: The pandemic accelerated telehealth. Some MAs now work in "virtual visit" coordination or as scribes for remote providers, a growing niche in the Denver market.

10-Year Outlook:
Demand will remain strong. The aging Colorado population ensures a steady stream of patients. The shift to value-based care (paying for outcomes, not volume) will keep MAs in clinics, managing chronic diseases and patient follow-up. Automation (AI scribes, etc.) may reduce some administrative tasks but will not replace the hands-on clinical work that defines the MA role.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 311 jobs and 15% growth provide security.	Salary vs. Rent: The math is tight. $38,901 doesn't stretch far with $1,835 average rent.
Diverse Employers: From major hospitals to private clinics, you have options.	Car Dependency: Lakewood is not a walkable city. You need reliable transportation.
Location: Easy access to Denver's opportunities without the premium price.	Competitive Market: You need a certification and often some experience to stand out.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Immediate access to mountains, parks, and trails.	Cost of Living: 105.5 index means your dollar doesn't go as far as in cheaper states.

Final Recommendation:
Lakewood is an excellent choice for a certified Medical Assistant who is early to mid-career and values job stability and outdoor access. It’s a pragmatic choice for those who want to build experience in a solid market with a clear path to advancement.

It is NOT the best choice if you are looking to get rich quickly or if you are a single-income household with significant debt. The financial squeeze is real. Be prepared to have roommates, live in an older apartment, or have a side hustle in your first few years.

If you come in with a certification, a solid resume, and a realistic budget, Lakewood offers a sustainable, rewarding career in healthcare.

FAQs

Q: I'm moving from out of state. Do I need to get a Colorado certification?
A: No. Colorado does not issue its own MA certification. If you have a valid national certification (CMA, RMA, NCMA), you are portable. However, you should check with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to ensure your credential is in good standing, and you'll need to provide your transcripts and certification to any new employer.

Q: How hard is it to find a job as a new Medical Assistant graduate in Lakewood?
A: It's competitive but very doable. The key is to apply for externships and new graduate programs at large systems like CommonSpirit, UCHealth, and Centura. They often hire their own students. Also, apply to private practices; they may be more willing to train a motivated new grad. Network with your school's career services—they have local connections.

Q: Is the cost of living really that high? What are the biggest expenses?
A: Yes, but it's manageable. The biggest expenses after rent are transportation (car payment, insurance, gas—Lakewood has high auto insurance rates) and health insurance (if not provided by your employer). Healthcare is the highest inflationary cost in Colorado. Budget carefully and get on a good car insurance plan.

Q: Can I commute from another city and still work in Lakewood?
A: Absolutely. The W Line light rail connects Lakewood to Denver, and RTD bus routes (like the 16, 20, and 32) are reliable. Many MAs commute from Denver, Arvada, or Golden. The key is to target employers near transit hubs. From the western suburbs, traffic into Lakewood is often lighter than commuting into downtown Denver.

Q: What's the best way to increase my salary as an MA in Lakewood?
A: Specialize. Get certified in phlebotomy or ECG (if you aren't already), and target ophthalmology, orthopedics, or cardiology clinics. These specialties pay more. Also, don't stay in one job for more than 2-3 years without a raise or promotion. The job market is strong enough that you can often leverage a job offer into a better salary at your current employer. Finally, consider pursuing an Associate's degree if you only have a certificate; many employers pay more for that.