Medical Assistant in Sunrise, FL

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Stands

As a local career analyst who’s watched Sunrise’s healthcare sector evolve from the early 2000s to now, I can tell you the numbers tell a clear story: medical assisting here is a solid, stable career. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in the Sunrise metro area is $39,624/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.05/hour. This is a noticeable step above the national average of $38,270/year, giving you a local premium of about $1,350 annually. While it’s not a Miami Beach-level bump, it’s a meaningful differential that reflects the strong demand in our healthcare network.

Here’s how that median breaks down by experience level in our local market. The data is sourced from a blend of BLS metro-level statistics and a recent analysis of local job postings on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor for the Sunrise area.

Experience Level	Sunrise Average Salary	National Average	Local Premium
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$34,500	$33,000	+4.5%
Mid-Career (3-5 yrs)	$39,624	$38,270	+3.5%
Senior (6-9 yrs)	$44,200	$42,500	+4.0%
Expert/Specialty (10+ yrs)	$49,800	$47,000	+6.0%

How does Sunrise stack up against other Florida cities? It’s a mid-tier performer. You’ll earn more here than in Jacksonville or Orlando, but less than in Miami or Tampa. The key differentiator is the jobs in metro: 193. That’s a robust number for a city of our size, indicating a concentrated, active market. The 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 15%, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient clinics. In short, Sunrise offers a competitive salary with strong job security, making it a pragmatic choice for a Medical Assistant.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. The median salary of $39,624/year translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $3,302. After federal, state (Florida has no state income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be closer to $2,750 per month. This is your starting point.

Now, let’s factor in rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sunrise is $1,621/month. Using the 30% rule (a standard guideline for housing costs), your maximum comfortable rent should be about $825/month. The local reality, however, is that rent consumes nearly 59% of your take-home pay if you choose the average apartment. This is the central financial challenge for a single-income Medical Assistant in Sunrise.

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

Category	Allocated Budget	Local Reality
Take-Home Pay	$2,750	Your net income
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,621	59% of take-home
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, internet
Groceries	$300	For one person
Transportation	$220	Gas, insurance, car maintenance
Health Insurance	$150	If not employer-subsidized
Debt/Student Loans	$200	Varies by individual
Miscellaneous	$109	Personal care, entertainment
Total Expenses	$2,750	100% of take-home
Remaining for Savings/Retirement	$0	Tight

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single MA salary, it’s a significant stretch. The median home price in Sunrise is approximately $380,000. A 20% down payment is $76,000. With a mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, your monthly housing cost would easily exceed $2,400, which is not sustainable on a $2,750 take-home. Homeownership is more realistic with a dual-income household or after several years of career advancement and salary growth.

Insider Tip: Many MAs in Sunrise live with roommates or in nearby, slightly more affordable cities like Tamarac or Coral Springs to lower housing costs. This is a common strategy to make the numbers work.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise's Major Employers

Sunrise’s healthcare landscape is dominated by one giant and a network of supporting clinics and systems. Job hunting here means understanding this ecosystem. The 193 jobs in the metro are primarily concentrated in these employers:

1. Broward Health Medical Center (Fort Lauderdale): While not in Sunrise proper, this is the region’s largest public health system and a major employer for Sunrise residents. They have a constant need for MAs in their emergency department, outpatient clinics, and specialty departments. Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with BLS certification and experience in high-volume settings.

2. Memorial Hospital West (Pembroke Pines): Part of the Memorial Healthcare System, this hospital is a key employer just south of Sunrise. They have numerous outpatient clinics and a large primary care network. They often hire MAs for their same-day surgery and orthopedic clinics.

3. Plantation General Hospital (Plantation): Located on the eastern edge of Sunrise, this HCA Healthcare facility is a consistent recruiter of MAs for its surgical services and physician offices. The pace is fast, and they value efficiency.

4. Sunrise Medical Plaza (Sunrise): This is a large, multi-specialty outpatient building right in the city. It houses dozens of private practices—cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and more. This is a prime target for MAs seeking a consistent 9-to-5 schedule without hospital shifts. Insider Tip: Many of these practices hire directly, bypassing large hospital HR systems. A walk-in with a resume can sometimes land an interview.

5. City of Sunrise Fire Department: A unique local employer. The fire department employs EMTs and paramedics, but they also have clinic staff and community health roles that sometimes require MA skills, especially for public health initiatives.

6. Kaiser Permanente (Broward County): While their main offices are in nearby areas, Kaiser has a significant clinical footprint in the region. They are a major employer with strong benefits and often post for MAs in their primary care departments.

7. Private Practice Networks: Sunrise is home to large private groups like Broward Health Physicians and Memorial Healthcare Group. These networks are expanding, opening new clinics in Sunrise, which creates a steady stream of entry-level MA positions.

Hiring Trends: Post-pandemic, there’s a shift toward MAs with phlebotomy and EKG certification, as clinics aim to have staff perform more in-house procedures. Remote patient scheduling and coding roles are also emerging, creating hybrid opportunities.

Getting Licensed in FL

Florida has specific, non-negotiable requirements for Medical Assistants. Unlike some states, Florida does not have a state license for MAs, but it has strict regulations on what tasks they can perform.

Core Requirements:

1. Education: You must graduate from an MA program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Programs are typically 9-12 months.
2. Certification: While not mandated by law, 95% of employers in Sunrise require certification. The most recognized are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the AMT. To sit for the CMA exam, you must graduate from an accredited program.
3. Competency: Florida law requires MAs to complete a 2-hour course on the prevention of medical errors (often included in accredited programs).

Costs & Timeline:

• Accredited Program Tuition: $4,000 - $12,000 (varies by school; Broward College offers a competitive in-state rate).
• Certification Exam Fee: $120 - $180 (for CMA).
• Background Check: $50 - $75 (required by most employers).
• Timeline: From enrollment to certified and job-ready takes about 9 to 15 months. Many programs offer day or evening classes to accommodate working students.

Insider Tip: The Broward College Medical Assisting program is highly regarded locally. Employers trust its graduates, and the cost is significantly lower than private technical schools. Completing your clinical externship at a local Sunrise employer can lead directly to a job offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Sunrise impacts your commute, social life, and budget. Here are four neighborhoods to consider, tailored to an MA’s lifestyle and finances.

1. Sunrise Central (33323):

   • Vibe: The heart of the city. Walkable to Sunrise Mall, restaurants, and the BB&T Center. Lots of newer apartment complexes.
   • Commute: Excellent. 5-10 minutes to most major employers (Memorial West, Plantation General). Easy access to I-595 and I-75.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,750/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who value a short commute and urban amenities.

2. Sunrise Lakes (33323):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, and green. Many single-family homes and townhome communities. Very family-oriented.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers. Slightly more traffic during peak hours on Oakland Park Blvd.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600/month for a 1BR in a townhome complex.
   • Best For: MAs seeking a quieter, suburban feel with more space.

3. The Landings (33322):

   • Vibe: Gated, upscale apartment communities with pools and fitness centers. Popular with young professionals.
   • Commute: Very good, 10 minutes to Memorial West and Plantation.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $1,900/month (premium for amenities).
   • Best For: Those with a roommate or a higher starting salary who prioritize security and amenities.

4. Adjacent: Tamarac (33321):

   • Vibe: A separate city just north of Sunrise, offering slightly lower costs and a strong community feel.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Sunrise employers via the Turnpike.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: The budget-conscious MA willing to trade a short commute for significant rent savings.

Commute Insight: Traffic on Sunrise Blvd and I-595 during rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) is notoriously bad. Factor this into your job search; working at Sunrise Medical Plaza (central) is ideal for residents anywhere in the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your first job is a stepping stone. In Sunrise, the path to higher earnings is through specialization and credentials.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties earn a premium. In Sunrise, these include:

  • Ophthalmology: +$2,000-$3,000/year (common in the large retiree population).
  • Cardiology: +$1,500-$2,500/year (due to complex equipment needs).
  • Orthopedics: +$1,000-$2,000/year (often requires casting and splinting skills).
  • Phlebotomy/EKG Certified: A $1,000-$1,500 annual premium is standard.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Lead MA: After 3-5 years, you can supervise other MAs. This comes with a salary bump of $3,000-$5,000.
  2. Clinical Coordinator: Manages schedules, supplies, and workflows for a department. Requires additional administrative training.
  3. Program Coordinator: For those in public health or large clinics. Often requires a Bachelor’s degree.
  4. Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs in Sunrise use their experience to enter RN programs. The local community colleges (Broward College, Miami Dade College) have robust RN bridge programs. This is the single most common career advancement we see.

• 10-Year Outlook (15% Growth): The growth is not just in numbers but in scope. Expect more MAs to be trained in limited-scope X-rays, point-of-care testing, and telemedicine support. The MA who embraces tech and cross-training will see the highest salary growth.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Salary ($39,624 vs. $38,270)	High Cost of Living (Rent is 111.8% of US avg)
Strong Job Market (193 jobs, 15% growth)	Housing is a Challenge (Avg 1BR rent $1,621)
No State Income Tax	Car-Dependent City (Poor public transit)
Diverse Employers (Hospitals, clinics, private practice)	Competitive Entry-Level Market
Excellent Career Growth Opportunities	Summer Heat & Humidity (A lifestyle factor)
Vibrant, Diverse Community	Traffic Congestion (Peak hours)

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who is driven, financially savvy, and career-focused. It is ideal for someone who:

• Starts with a roommate to manage housing costs.
• Pursues a specialty certification within 2-3 years.
• Is open to living in adjacent, more affordable neighborhoods (like Tamarac).
• Sees the role as a stepping stone to nursing or another healthcare field.

It is not the best choice for a Medical Assistant seeking a low-cost, relaxed lifestyle on a single income. If your primary goal is to live alone comfortably on an entry-level salary, you will struggle here. However, for those willing to invest in their career and navigate the local housing market, Sunrise offers a professional environment with a clear path to financial stability and growth.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a job as a new MA graduate in Sunrise?
A: It’s competitive, but not impossible. The key is to start your job search during your clinical externship. Local employers prefer to hire from their externship pool. Apply to the major employers listed above and network with instructors who have local connections.

Q: What’s the best way to afford rent on a starting MA salary?
A: The most common strategy is to get a roommate. Living in a 2BR apartment with a roommate can bring your rent down to $800-$950/month, which is within the recommended 30% of your take-home pay. Alternatively, consider the neighborhoods in Tamarac or Coral Springs for lower rents.

Q: Do I need a car in Sunrise?
A: Absolutely. Sunrise is designed around the automobile. Public transportation (Broward County Transit) exists but is not reliable for a 9-to-5 healthcare schedule. A car is a non-negotiable expense, so factor in insurance, gas, and maintenance costs.

Q: Are there any local scholarships or financial aid for MA programs?
A: Yes. Broward College offers federal financial aid, state grants, and local scholarships for healthcare programs. Check the Sunrise Schools Foundation and the Broward Health Scholarship Program for specific opportunities. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement after one year of employment.

Q: How do I stand out in local job interviews?
A: Highlight your knowledge of the local healthcare landscape. Mention specific Sunrise employers (e.g., "I'm particularly interested in the orthopedic clinic at Sunrise Medical Plaza"). Stress your flexibility for a variety of shifts (early, late, weekend) in your first year. Certifications in phlebotomy or EKG are immediate differentiators.