If you’re considering a career in health administration, it’s important to understand the salary range for your future job.

As a health administration professional, you’ll be responsible for managing all of the day-to-day operations at a healthcare facility. This includes everything from hiring new employees to purchasing supplies and equipment.

Health Administration Salary With Masters

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that health administrators with a master’s degree earn an average salary of $75,000 per year. This number can vary depending on where you live in the country, though. For example, in Washington D.C., California and New York City, health administrators make upwards of $100,000 per year (BLS).

If you’re planning on working in an urban area such as these three locations mentioned above then this salary will be more than enough for you to live comfortably without having to worry about how much money is coming in each month!

   Health Administration Salary With Masters

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Medical Office Administrators earn an average salary of about $44,000 per year, and an average hourly wage of about $21.00 per hour.

These rates can vary depending on your employer, experience, and location. For instance, the top 10 percent of MOAs can earn up to $66,260 or more, while the lowest 10 percent can earn an average salary close to about $27,000.

Here’s a closer look at the salaries and hourly pay for MOAs (Medical Records Technicians & Health Information Technicians) by industry and by state.

Highest Paying Industries for Medical Office Administrators

Industry	Average Hourly Pay	Average Annual Salary
Pharmaceutical Industry	$30.17	$62,740
Insurance Companies	$25.40	$52,830
Scientific Research & Development Services	$25.05	$52,100
Specialty Hospitals	$22.69	$47,200
General Hospitals	$22.45	$46,690
Outpatient Care Centers	$21.46	$44,630

Highest Paying States for Medical Office Administrators

A Medical Office Administrator’s pay often varies by location. For instance, here are the top five paying states for Medical Records & Health Information Technicians across the country:

1. New Jersey:
   • Average Salary: $54,020
   • Average Hourly Pay: $25.97
2. Washington D.C.:
   • Average Salary: $53,430
   • Average Hourly Pay: $25.69
3. California:
   • Average Salary: $51,880
   • Average Hourly Pay: $24.94
4. Connecticut:
   • Average Salary: $51,400
   • Average Hourly Pay: $24.71
5. Hawaii:
   • Average Salary: $50,940
   • Average Hourly Pay: $24.49

More to a Medical Office Administrator’s Salary Than You Might Think

Our Methodology

We pulled the cost-of-living index (COLI) values for each city in our study from Expatistan. Average MOA salaries and other statistics were taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The average cost-of-living index (COLI) for all the U.S. cities we compared was about 162. So, if a city had a COLI of 120, then it was 26% cheaper to live there than the average city in our study. Based on the COLI for each city, we adjusted their annual wage to account for the difference in cost of living.

Based on each city’s cost-of-living index, Medical Office Administrator salaries were increased or reduced proportionately to better measure overall compensation and quality-of-life in each respective location.

The Highest Paying Cities for Medical Office Administrators

Below you’ll find the 20 best cities for Medical Office Administrators in 2022 (based on their cost-of-living index), starting with the highest paying city.

1. Tucson, Arizona

First up on our list is the sunny city of Tucson! Not only do residents enjoy about 350 days of sunshine per year, but the area is said to inspire a sense of freedom. It should come as no surprise that Tucson is the one of the most populous cities in Arizona. Along with Phoenix, it anchors the Arizona Sun Corridor (i.e. a mega region of five metropolitan areas).

Tucson also hosts a number of annual cultural events and fairs. A renowned event is the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, one of the largest gem and mineral shows in the world that has been held for more than 50 years. Another example is the Tucson Festival of Books. By 2010, it became the fourth largest book festival in the United States. Along with readings and lectures, it provides attendees with a science fair, entertainment, food, and exhibitors ranging from local retailers and publishers to national nonprofit organizations.

Regarding the economy, education and health services are some of the highest ranking employment sectors within the state of Arizona. Medical Office Administrators can even earn more than $70k in Tucson. Thanks to the low cost of living and average MOA salary, this city is an attractive prospect for many healthcare workers.

How much do MOAs make in Tucson, AZ?

• Medical Office Administrators in Tucson make an average salary of $52,490.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $73,370 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 136
• The cost of living in Tucson is 16% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $62,562.

2. Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids is one of the largest cities in Iowa and the county seat of Linn County. Not only is Cedar Rapids an economic hub of the state, but it has ranked as the #1 best place in America for children. This might be due to a low crime rate and great school system. Recently, they were recognized as the #2 most recession-resistant city, the most caring city in Iowa, and #11 in the top American cities to live in after the pandemic.

In addition, Cedar Rapids is home to healthcare giants like Mercy Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital. Mercy has even ranked as the best hospital in Iowa or one of the top three. Did we mention that the cost of living is 26% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study? No wonder Cedar Rapids ranks highly as a potential city for MOAs.

How much do MOAs make in Cedar Rapids, IA?

• Medical Office Administrators in Cedar Rapids make an average salary of $46,130.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $65,100 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 120
• The cost of living in Cedar Rapids is 26% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its cost of living raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $62,313.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is the capital and most populous city of Tennessee. It’s a legendary hub for the music industry, especially country music—Nashville is even known as “Music City.” Some famous destinations include the Grand Ole Opry House, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, historic Ryman Auditorium, and the Johnny Cash Museum, which celebrates the late singer’s life.

This city is also home to various colleges and universities, such as Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University, Belmont University, Fisk University, Trevecca Nazarene University, and Lipscomb University. Sometimes, Nashville is referred to as the “Athens of the South” due to its great number of educational institutions.

Although the city is known as a music and tourist destination, healthcare is actually the largest industry in Nashville! It offers more than 300 healthcare companies. This includes the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), which is the world’s largest private operator of hospitals. In 2012, it was estimated that the healthcare industry contributes about $30 billion per year as well as 200,000 jobs to the Nashville-area economy.

How much do MOAs make in Nashville, TN?

• Medical Office Administrators in Nashville make an average salary of $56,430.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $78,090 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 149
• The cost of living in Nashville is 8% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $61,390.

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is the capital of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in the state, and its metropolitan area is part of the larger Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Las Vegas combined statistical area. Since Santa Fe was founded in 1610, that makes it the oldest state capital in the United States! It’s also the state capital with the highest elevation.

Considered one of the world’s greatest art cities, Santa Fe offers a number of art galleries and installations. Among these destinations are the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and a gallery by cartoonist Chuck Jones. Other cultural highlights include the Santa Fe Plaza, the Palace of the Governors, the Fiesta de Santa Fe, diverse New Mexican cuisine, and New Mexico music performances.

As if that wasn’t enough, Santa Fe has funneled development into industries like healthcare, retiree services, and food and beverage. The average Medical Office Administrator can earn well over $55k per year. For the top ten percent of MOAs, this number can skyrocket to a salary of more than $82k.

How much do MOAs make in Santa Fe, NM?

• Medical Office Administrators in Santa Fe make an average salary of $57,460.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $82,500 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 155
• The cost of living in Santa Fe is 4% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $60,091.

5. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati is a city in Ohio that sits on the Ohio River. Not only is it the economic and cultural hub of Ohio, but Cincinnati is the fastest-growing economic power in the Midwestern United States. Many know Cincinnati for its major sports teams and historic architecture. Visitors may choose the Cincinnati Museum, the Over-the-Rhine district, or the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Plus, Medical Office Administrators can earn salaries between $50k and $76k. The cost of living is also much cheaper than the average of the other cities in our study. All of these factors raise an MOA’s pay based on affordability. They make Cincinnati a city to watch, too.

How much do MOAs make in Cincinnati, OH?

• Medical Office Administrators in Cincinnati make an average salary of $50,010.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $76,940 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 135
• The cost of living in Cincinnati is 17% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $60,048.

6. Fargo, North Dakota

Fargo is the most populous city in North Dakota. In fact, it accounts for almost 17% of the state’s population! Some of its many destinations include the Plains Art Museum, which exhibits regional, contemporary, and Native American works; modern and vintage airplanes at the Fargo Air Museum; FargoDome, an indoor stadium that hosts football games, concerts, and theatrical shows; and various cold-climate species at the Red River Zoo (i.e. red pandas and gray wolves).

The largest employers in Fargo include Sanford Health and Essentia Health. Not only can you pursue a career in this prosperous city, you can also put down roots for a sensible price. The cost of living in Fargo is 13% cheaper than the average of the other cities in our study. Usually, Medical Office Administrators earn more than $50,000 per year.

How much do MOAs make in Fargo, ND?

• Medical Office Administrators in Fargo make an average salary of $52,000.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $70,340 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 141
• The cost of living in Fargo is 13% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $59,781.

7. Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis lies on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee. The name of this city, which means “established and beautiful,” is known around the world as the “Home of the Blues and Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” To be fair, it’s also the birthplace of gospel, jazz, R&B, rap and soul! Music landmarks include the legendary Sun Studio, Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion, the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

In general, Memphis is often considered a dream destination among 100 of the World’s Best Vacations by Life Books. This region also supports the Methodist and Baptist Memorial health systems, two of the biggest private hospitals in the country. As of 2018, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare was even the fourth largest employer in Memphis.

How much do MOAs make in Memphis, TN?

• Medical Office Administrators in Memphis make an average salary of $46,720.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $71,460 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 127
• The cost of living in Memphis is 22% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $59,631.

8. Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown is a city in the state of Ohio and the county seat of Mahoning County. It sits on the Mahoning River and lies about 65 miles from Cleveland. Some notable places include the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheater and a new downtown hotel in the historic Stambaugh Building. Other top sights are Mill Creek Park, Fellows Riverside Gardens, and Lanterman’s Mill.

Forbes has ranked Youngstown as the fourth best city in the U.S. to raise a family. The article specifically mentioned its local schools, low crime rates, cost of living, and property rates. Since the cost of living is almost 30% cheaper than the average in our study, it makes sense that Medical Office Administrators often benefit from greater salaries and affordable homes.

How much do MOAs make in Youngstown, OH?

• Medical Office Administrators in Youngstown make an average salary of $41,740.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $61,360 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 117
• The cost of living in Youngstown is 28% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $57,829.

9. Ithaca, New York

Ithaca is a small city in central New York, right at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. It’s about 45 miles south-west of Syracuse, 247 miles southeast of Toronto, and 223 miles northwest of New York City. Ithaca is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College.

This city is known for numerous gorges and waterfalls, eclectic shops, many restaurants, and a deep interest in politics. A handful of the most famous waterfalls includes Cascadilla Falls, Ithaca Falls, and Buttermilk Falls. Nearby, the Robert H. Treman state parks also provide wooded gorges and natural pools.

Ithaca is also home to Cayuga Medical Center, which is officially referred to as Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca (CMC). It’s a nonprofit general hospital that serves residents from Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga, and Tompkins counties.

How much do MOAs make in Ithaca, NY?

• Medical Office Administrators in Ithaca make an average salary of $51,570.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $81,740 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 148
• The cost of living in Ithaca is 9% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $56,482.

10. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city and sits within the high desert. A modern downtown core contrasts with Old Town Albuquerque, which dates back to the city’s founding in 1706. Among the historic adobe buildings that line Old Town are San Felipe de Neri Church as well as a number of museums. Local shops also sell Native American handicrafts. Nearby, The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center recounts their tribal history.

When it comes to healthcare, Albuquerque maintains various state-of-the-art medical centers. Some of these include the VA Medical Center, Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Medical Services, Heart Hospital of New Mexico, and Lovelace Women’s Hospital. The University of New Mexico Hospital offers the greatest number of adult and pediatric specialty programs in New Mexico.

How much do MOAs make in Albuquerque, NM?

• Medical Office Administrators in Albuquerque make an average salary of $44,600.
• For some people, in the 90th percentile, salaries can reach as high as $67,310 or more.
• Cost of Living Index (COLI): 128
• The cost of living in Albuquerque is 21% cheaper than the average of all the cities in our study.
• The adjusted average income based on its affordability raises a Medical Office Administrator’s pay to $56,481.