Medical Assistant in Tulsa, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Tulsa Stands

As a local who’s watched the healthcare scene evolve in Tulsa for years, I can tell you straight: being a Medical Assistant (MA) here is a stable, living-wage career. It's not the path to quick wealth, but it’s a solid foundation with real room to grow. Let's break down the numbers.

First, the hard data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market analysis, the median salary for a Medical Assistant in Tulsa, OK is $37,064 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.82. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $38,270/year. This isn't unusual for Tulsa; our cost of living is our great equalizer (more on that later). The job market itself is robust, with an estimated 821 jobs in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 15%, which is faster than the national average. This growth is driven by an aging population and the expansion of specialty clinics and urgent care centers across the city.

Your actual earnings will depend heavily on experience, specialty, and shift. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	What You're Doing
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,000	Phlebotomy, vitals, basic patient intake, EHR data entry. You're learning the ropes in a busy clinic or hospital.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$35,000 - $39,000	Managing more complex patient loads, assisting with minor procedures, training new MAs. This is where you hit the Tulsa median.
Senior/Lead MA (7+ years)	$40,000 - $45,000+	Specializing (e.g., dermatology, cardiology), leading a team, handling advanced clinical duties. Hospitals and large specialties pay more.
Expert/Specialized (10+ yrs, Certs)	$45,000 - $50,000+	Certified in a specific modality (EKG, X-ray), working in surgical centers, or in a high-demand specialty like oncology.

How does Tulsa compare to other Oklahoma cities?

• Oklahoma City: Salaries are often 3-5% higher ($38,200 median), but the cost of living in the core metro is also higher. More hospital systems (OU Health, Integris) create more competition.
• Norman: Very similar to Tulsa, but with a smaller market. Salaries hover around $36,500, with fewer specialty options.
• Broken Arrow/South Tulsa Suburbs: Often see a slight premium ($38,000+) due to higher patient volume in affluent communities and newer medical complexes.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Ask about shift differentials (nights/weekends can add $2-$4/hour) and on-call pay. The major hospital systems often have clearer, union-backed pay scales than private practices.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's talk real life. A $37,064 salary sounds different after deductions. Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single MA earning the median wage.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, standard deduction. Taxes are estimated (Federal Income Tax, FICA 7.65%, OK State Income Tax 4.75%). Rent is for a $900/month 1BR (average Tulsa rent).

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$3,089	Before any deductions.
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	-$650	Federal, State, FICA. This is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for precision.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$2,439	This is your "what you can spend" number.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$900	A realistic mid-range apartment.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$180	Varies by season (summer AC is a beast).
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$350	Essential in Tulsa. Public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	-$300	Eating out is cheap, but groceries add up.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	-$150	A significant cost if not covered.
Savings/Debt/Discretionary	$559	Leftover for savings, student loans, or fun.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but not immediately on a single MA salary. The median home price in Tulsa is around $240,000. With a 3.5% FHA down payment ($8,400), your mortgage (PITI) would be roughly $1,700/month. That's 70% of your net take-home, which is unsustainable. However, with a partner's income or after 5-7 years of experience (pushing your salary to $42k+), homeownership becomes very attainable, especially in the historically affordable neighborhoods we'll discuss. The Cost of Living Index of 89.5 (US avg = 100) means your dollar stretches 10.5% further here than the national average, making saving for that down payment more feasible.

Where the Jobs Are: Tulsa's Major Employers

Tulsa's healthcare market is dominated by a few large systems, but there are also thriving private practices. Hiring is steady, but turnover is highest in the summer (new graduates) and lowest post-winter holidays.

1. Saint Francis Health System: The 800-pound gorilla. With two main campuses (St. Francis Hospital and St. Francis Children's Hospital) and dozens of clinics, they are the largest single employer of MAs in the metro. Hiring Trend: They hire in large cohorts, often 20-30 MAs at a time for new clinics or hospital expansions. Benefits are excellent, but the pace is fast, especially in the ER or main campus.

2. Ascension St. John: The other major hospital system, with a strong presence in downtown Tulsa and Broken Arrow. They emphasize community-based care. Hiring Trend: They frequently post for MAs in their specialty clinics (orthopedics, women's health). They value long-term employees and have lower turnover than some systems.

3. Integris Health: While based in OKC, their Tulsa footprint is growing, especially with the new Integris Bass Baptist Health Center in the Tulsa Hills area. Hiring Trend: They are actively expanding, so this is a good place to look for new openings and less competition than the "big two."

4. Oklahoma State University Medical Center (OSU-MC): A teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center. Hiring Trend: They hire MAs for the hospital and the numerous academic clinics. This is a fantastic place to learn, with exposure to complex cases. They often have tuition assistance if you want to advance your degree.

5. Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute (OCSRI): A leading private oncology practice. Hiring Trend: They have a low turnover rate, but when they hire, they look for MAs with empathy, maturity, and phlebotomy skills. The work is emotionally demanding but deeply rewarding, and they pay a premium (often $39k-$42k for mid-career).

6. Dermatology Associates of Tulsa: A large, well-respected private practice. Hiring Trend: They hire frequently for their busy surgical and cosmetic side. This is a great niche if you like procedures and a predictable schedule (no weekends or holidays).

Insider Tip: Use the "Tulsa Regional Medical Center" job board. It aggregates postings from many smaller clinics and private practices that aren't on Indeed or LinkedIn.

Getting Licensed in OK

Oklahoma is an "either/or" state. You do not need to be certified to work as a Medical Assistant, but you must work under the direct supervision of a licensed physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. However, not being certified will severely limit your job prospects and pay. In practice, nearly all respectable employers require certification.

There are two main certifications:

1. CMA (AAMA): Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Requires graduation from an accredited program and passing an exam. Cost: $120-$180 for the exam. Timeline: 9-24 months for an accredited program.
2. RMA (AMT): Offered by the American Medical Technologists. Can be obtained with various education/experience pathways. Cost: $120-$150 for the exam. Timeline: Varies.

The Pathway for a Newcomer: You can attend a local program. For example, Tulsa Community College (TCC) offers an accredited Medical Assisting program (approx. 30 credits, 2 semesters + summer). Total program cost: ~$5,000-$7,000. Upon passing the CMA exam, you are certified.

State-Specific Requirements: Oklahoma does not have a state-specific MA license. Your certification (CMA/RMA) is your golden ticket. Keep it active with continuing education (typically 50-60 hours every 5 years).

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already certified: Can start applying immediately. Local employers often have a 2-4 week onboarding process.
• If you're starting from scratch: Enroll in a program (TCC or a private school like Platt College). Expect 12-18 months to graduate and pass your exam before you can work as a certified MA.

Insider Tip: During your externship (required in all good programs), network like your job depends on it—because it often does. Most of my friends landed their first job from their externship site.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Tulsa is a sprawling city. Your commute can be a major factor in your quality of life. Here are neighborhoods that offer a good balance for working MAs.

1. Midtown / Brookside: The classic Tulsa choice. Walkable, vibrant, with great restaurants and parks. You're central to Saint Francis, St. John, and many private clinics. Commute: 10-20 minutes to most hospitals. Rent for 1BR: $950 - $1,200. Verdict: Best for social life and short commutes but pricier. Perfect for new grads who want to be in the thick of things.

2. South Tulsa / 81st & Yale: This is where many healthcare professionals live. It's close to the major hospitals (Saint Francis Children's, St. John South), has newer apartments, and feels safe. Commute: 15-25 minutes. Rent for 1BR: $900 - $1,100. Verdict: The practical, comfortable choice. Slightly more driving, but more space for your money.

3. Jenks / Bixby (Suburbs): These are affluent, family-oriented suburbs south of Tulsa with excellent schools. Major clinics are popping up here, so you can often find a job and live in the same area. Commute: 20-35 minutes to downtown Tulsa hospitals. Rent for 1BR: $950 - $1,150 (less inventory, more single-family homes). Verdict: Ideal for those starting families or wanting a quieter, suburban lifestyle.

4. Downtown / Brady District: For the young and urban. Close to St. John's downtown campus and the OSU-MC. It's walkable, with nightlife and new apartments. Commute: 5-15 minutes if you work downtown. Rent for 1BR: $1,000 - $1,400 (newer builds). Verdict: Fun and convenient, but parking can be a headache and it's the most expensive.

5. North Tulsa / Gilcrease: A more budget-friendly option with a strong community feel. Commutes can be longer if you're working south. Commute: 20-40 minutes. Rent for 1BR: $750 - $900. Verdict: Best for saving money. The area is rebuilding, so research specific streets for safety. Great value if you find a job at a northside clinic.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Tulsa is not like Chicago or LA, but the I-44 and I-244 interchange can be a bottleneck. If you live in South Tulsa and work at Saint Francis main campus, avoid the 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM rush if possible, or take back roads like Harvard or Yale.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An MA in Tulsa is a launchpad, not a destination. The 15% job growth means more opportunities, but the real growth is in specialization and advancement.

Specialty Premiums: General practice MAs earn around the $37,064 median. Specializing can boost your salary significantly:

• Cardiology or Pulmonology: +$2,000-$4,000/year. Requires learning EKGs and stress tests.
• Dermatology or Ophthalmology: +$1,500-$3,000. High-volume, procedure-based, often with a better schedule.
• Surgical Assistant (in-office): +$3,000-$5,000. Requires additional training, often provided by the employer.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead MA / Office Manager: Move into a supervisory role in a private practice. You'll earn $42k-$48k but take on scheduling, inventory, and staff management.
2. Phlebotomy Supervisor: At a hospital or lab network (like Labcorp or Quest). Your MA background is a perfect fit. Pay can reach $45k+ with shift lead responsibilities.
3. Bridge to Nursing (RN): This is the most common path. Many local hospitals (Saint Francis, St. John) offer tuition reimbursement for MAs pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). After 2 years of experience, you can become an RN, with a Tulsa median salary of $68,000+. Your MA experience is invaluable.
4. Healthcare Administration: With a bachelor's degree, you can move into clinic management, billing, or practice administration. Tulsa's growing healthcare sector needs these roles.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. The growth in telehealth and specialty clinics (like the new cancer center at Saint Francis) means more diverse job openings. The key to growth is certification maintenance and seeking specialty training. An MA with 10 years of experience, CMA certification, and a specialty can easily earn $50,000+ in Tulsa, putting them well above the national average when adjusted for our low cost of living.

The Verdict: Is Tulsa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially for homeownership.	Lower Base Salary: You start at a lower wage than in coastal cities.
Stable Job Market: 821 jobs and 15% growth means steady demand.	Car Dependent: You need a reliable vehicle; public transit is weak.
Manageable Commute: Unlike major metros, 20 minutes gets you across town.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: If you want 24/7 energy, Tulsa will feel sleepy.
Friendly, Community Feel: People are generally welcoming and helpful.	Summer Heat: July and August are brutal (100°F+), and AC is a must.
Clear Career Paths: From MA to RN, the stepping stones are visible and available.	Seasonal Allergies: The "Green Country" nickname comes with high pollen counts.

Final Recommendation: Tulsa is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant seeking stability, a low stress-of-living, and a clear path to advancement. It's ideal for recent graduates, career-changers, or those who want to buy a home without a six-figure salary. If you are a single professional seeking a vibrant, high-energy urban scene with endless entertainment, you may find Tulsa lacking. But if you value community, affordability, and a career where you can see tangible growth, Tulsa is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: I'm certified in another state. Can I work in Tulsa?
A: Yes! Oklahoma does not have a state-specific license. Your national certification (CMA/RMA) is valid. You just need to find a job and start working under a licensed supervisor. Update your certification address with the AAMA/AMT.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new MAs?
A: It's competitive but not cutthroat. The key is getting an externship at a good site and nailing the interview. Large systems like Saint Francis hire many new grads every quarter. Smaller, private practices are more likely to hire experienced MAs, so start with the big systems.

Q: What is the housing market like for someone earning $37,064?
A: Very feasible for renting. A $900/month apartment is realistic in many neighborhoods. For buying, you'll need to save for a down payment and plan to have a partner's income