How Much Does a Medical Office Assistant Make in Alberta?

A career in healthcare does not always mean working directly with patients. For many people, the administrative side of healthcare offers the right balance of professional responsibility, stable income, and manageable training time. One of the most common questions prospective students ask is how much does a Medical Office Assistant make in Alberta? 

Medical Office Assistants play a critical role in clinics, hospitals, and healthcare offices across the province. Their work keeps medical environments organized, compliant, and efficient. In return, they earn competitive wages, enjoy steady employment, and benefit from long term career stability. This article explores Medical Office Assistant salaries in Alberta, what influences pay, and how completing a Medical Office Administration diploma can support stronger earning potential and job readiness. 

What Does a Medical Office Assistant Do? 

Medical Office Assistants, sometimes called Medical Administrative Assistants, handle the non-clinical operations of healthcare offices. They are often the first point of contact for patients and are responsible for ensuring that appointments, records, and billing processes run smoothly. Common duties include scheduling patients, managing electronic health records, preparing charts, handling insurance claims, processing billing, answering phones, and maintaining strict confidentiality. They work in medical clinics, dental offices, hospitals, diagnostic centres, and specialist practices. Because healthcare services operate year-round, Medical Office Assistants are needed consistently across Alberta’s healthcare system. 

Bonus Read: How to Become a Medical Office Assistant in Alberta? 

Average Medical Office Assistant Salary in Alberta 

According to ALIS Alberta, Medical Office Assistants earns an average hourly wage of approximately $27.55, which equals an average annual salary of about $50,500 based on typical working hours. Most professionals in this role work close to full time schedules, averaging around 35 hours per week. Employment is usually ongoing rather than seasonal, which provides predictable income throughout the year. This level of pay reflects the specialized nature of the work. Medical Office Assistants are not general office staff. They are trained to work within healthcare systems that require accuracy, privacy compliance, and professional communication. 

Starting Wages for Medical Office Assistants 

Entry level Medical Office Assistants in Alberta can expect to earn competitive wages right from the start. Typical starting pay ranges from $17 to $25 per hour, depending on the employer, location, and level of training. Graduates who have completed a Medical Office Administration diploma and gained hands on experience through a practicum or capstone project often start closer to the middle or higher end of this range. Employers value candidates who understand medical terminology, billing procedures, and electronic record systems without extensive onboarding. For many career changers, this makes Medical Office Administration an appealing option, as it offers a relatively quick return on educational investment. 

How Experience Impacts Medical Office Assistant Pay 

As Medical Office Assistants gain experience, their earning potential increases. With strong performance and familiarity with healthcare systems, wages often rise above the provincial average. Experienced professionals commonly earn between $29 and $35 per hour, especially in busy clinics, specialty practices, or hospital environments. Additional responsibilities such as supervising front desk operations, managing billing workflows, or training new staff can also contribute to higher pay. Long term experience can open doors to senior administrative roles within healthcare, which often come with increased compensation and leadership opportunities. 

Factors That Influence Medical Office Assistant Salaries 

Several factors affect how much a Medical Office Assistant makes in Alberta. 
 

Workplace Setting 

Hospitals, specialist clinics, and larger healthcare organizations may offer higher wages compared to smaller private practices, depending on the role and workload. 

Location 

Urban centres such as Calgary and Edmonton often provide more opportunities and competitive wages, although smaller communities may offer strong job security and lower competition. 

Education and Credentials 

Formal training plays a major role in employability and earning potential. Employers prefer candidates who have completed a recognized Medical Office Administration diploma and understand healthcare specific procedures. 

Skills and Responsibilities 

Proficiency in billing systems, transcription, electronic health records, and professional communication can increase value to employers and support higher wages. 

Job Demand for Medical Office Assistants in Alberta 

Healthcare is one of Alberta’s most stable employment sectors. Administrative professionals are essential to supporting frontline healthcare workers and maintaining patient flow. Many healthcare employers across Alberta continue to recruit Medical Office Assistants regularly. While the role is not classified as a critical shortage occupation, employers often report difficulty finding candidates who are fully prepared for healthcare office environments. This consistent demand supports ongoing employment opportunities and reduces the risk of job instability. 

Is Licensing Required in Alberta? 

Medical Office Assistants in Alberta are not required to hold a provincial license. There is no mandatory certification exam to enter the field. However, this does not mean that training is optional. Healthcare offices operate under strict privacy laws, documentation standards, and billing requirements. Employers expect staff to understand these systems and work confidently from day one. As a result, completing a Medical Office Administration diploma is strongly preferred by employers and often essential for securing stable employment. 

How Education Affects Career Outcomes 

Medical offices are complex environments. Administrative errors can impact patient care, billing accuracy, and legal compliance. This is why employers prioritize candidates with specialized training. A Medical Office Administration diploma provides structured education in areas such as medical terminology, patient scheduling, billing and insurance processing, transcription, and professional communication. Students also learn to use modern office software and healthcare technology. Graduates who complete formal training are typically better prepared, more confident, and more competitive in the job market. 

Medical Office Administration Training at Reeves College 

Reeves College offers a Medical Office Administration diploma designed to prepare students for real world healthcare administrative roles in Alberta. The program focuses on practical, career ready skills that align with employer expectations. 

Students learn patient scheduling, medical billing, transcription, terminology, keyboarding, and office administration using modern medical office tools and software. To apply their knowledge, students choose between a 100 hour practicum in a healthcare setting or a 100 hour capstone project. 

The program also includes First Aid, CPR, and WHMIS training, helping graduates meet workplace safety and compliance standards. Reeves College delivers the program through on campus and combined learning formats and offers it at multiple Alberta campuses, including Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Lloydminster. The diploma can be completed in 43 weeks, allowing students to enter the workforce in under a year. 

Career Opportunities After Graduation 

Graduates of Medical Office Administration programs qualify for a range of healthcare administrative roles, including Medical Office Assistant, Medical Secretary, Medical Receptionist, Medical Transcriptionist, and Medical Billing Clerk. These positions are found in clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centres, and private medical offices across Alberta. With experience, some graduates move into supervisory or specialized administrative roles within healthcare organizations. 

Is a Medical Office Assistant Career Worth It? 

For people who want to work in healthcare without clinical duties, Medical Office Administration offers a strong balance of income, stability, and training efficiency. With average wages around $27.55 per hour, steady hiring across the province, and the ability to complete training in under a year, this career path is accessible and sustainable. It is especially well suited for individuals who enjoy organization, communication, and professional office environments. 

Final Thoughts 

So how much does a Medical Office Assistant make in Alberta? On average, just over $50,000 per year, with opportunities to earn more through experience and specialization. Combined with steady demand and clear career pathways, this role offers a practical entry point into Alberta’s healthcare system. 

Completing a Medical Office Administration diploma, such as the program offered at Reeves College, can help students develop the skills, confidence, and hands on experience needed to succeed in modern medical offices and build a stable, long term career in healthcare administration.