Medical Assistant in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$34,980
trending_down -20.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering
12,760

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Surging
+12.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$120

Licensing fees

schedule
9-24 months for education; exam and application times vary by certifying body.

Time to complete

route How to become a medical assistant in Alabama

In Alabama, Medical Assistants are not licensed by the state. While there is no state licensing body, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners oversees the practice of physicians under whom Medical Assistants work. Employers in Alabama typically require Medical Assistants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, complete an accredited medical assisting program, and obtain national certification (such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA) to demonstrate competency. Medical assistants practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician, as outlined in the state's Medical Practice Act.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $28,280
25th percentile $30,940
50th (median) $34,980
75th percentile $36,990
90th (experienced) $43,530

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing bodyNo state licensing body for Medical Assistants
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers for national certification.
ExamNational certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard. Each certification has its own exam. ($120)
NotesMedical assistants in Alabama are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician, as defined by the state's Medical Practice Act. Employers typically require graduation from an accredited program and national certification. Minimum age is generally 18, and a background check and CPR certification are often required by employers.

Source: No state licensing body for Medical Assistants

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+12.5%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
112,300
Nationwide per year
Total employment
811,000
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure 0.15/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+12.5%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a medical assistant in Alabama? expand_more
In Alabama, becoming a medical assistant requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent; accredited MA program often required by employers for national certification.), and pass the National certification (e.g., CMA, RMA, CCMA) is not state-mandated but is the industry standard. Each certification has its own exam..
Can I work as a medical assistant in Alabama without a license? expand_more
medical assistants in Alabama are not required to hold a state license. Note: Medical assistants in Alabama are not licensed by the state. They practice under the direct supervision and delegation of a licensed physician, as defined by the state's Medical Practice Act. Employers typically require graduation from an accredited program and national certification. Minimum age is generally 18, and a background check and CPR certification are often required by employers.
How much do medical assistants make in Alabama? expand_more
medical assistants in Alabama earn a median of $34,980 annually. That's 21% below the national median of $44,200. New medical assistants start around $28,280; seasoned professionals can reach $43,530.
How much does it cost to become a medical assistant in Alabama? expand_more
Between exam fee ($120), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How quickly can I become a medical assistant in Alabama? expand_more
In Alabama, becoming a medical assistant generally takes 9-24 months for education; exam and application times vary by certifying body., accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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