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By: All Allied Health Staff
The fact that Indiana ranks 14th in the U.S. for highest employment of medical assistants according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) likely due to a combination of demographic, economic and healthcare system factors. Here are the main reasons Indiana is a solid state for medical assistant employment:
- Its location in the Midwest allows Indiana to serve as a healthcare hub for neighboring states, with some patients traveling from nearby rural or underserved areas, increasing patient volume in clinics and hospitals.
- Like many states, Indiana has a growing elderly population. Seniors generally require more frequent medical care, which increases demand for primary care and outpatient services—settings where medical assistants are vital.
- Indiana has multiple community colleges and vocational schools offering accredited medical assistant programs, such as Ivy Tech Community College. This creates a strong pipeline of educated candidates for healthcare employers.
- Indiana has a strong and growing healthcare infrastructure with major healthcare systems. These systems have numerous hospitals, clinics and outpatient facilities throughout the state, particularly in urban areas like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and South Bend, driving demand for medical assistants.
Overview: Medical assistants in Indiana
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 22,090 medical assistants in Indiana, making it the 13th highest state for employment in the U.S. The median hourly wage is $20 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade at the national level is 12.5%.
Indiana is home to several prominent healthcare systems that employ a significant number of medical assistants. These organizations offer diverse opportunities across various specialties and settings. Here are five top employers of medical assistants in Indiana, along with their locations and how medical assistant skills are utilized within their facilities:
- Indiana University Health (IU Health)–Indianapolis and statewide:
- IU Health is Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, employing nearly 36,000 individuals.
Medical assistants at IU Health support both clinical and administrative functions. - Eskenazi Health–Indianapolis with health centers across Marion County:
- Eskenazi Health is a public hospital system known for serving vulnerable populations and offering comprehensive care services. Medical assistants at Eskenazi Health are integral to patient care by assisting with minor procedures, collecting and processing lab specimens and administering medications as directed, among other tasks.
- Community Health Network–Indianapolis and Central Indiana:
- Community Health Network is a non-profit health system offering a range of services from primary care to specialty clinics. Medical assistants may facilitate patient visits and procedures, document care using electronic medical records and participate in quality initiatives and patient education.
- Franciscan Health–Multiple locations including Indianapolis, Lafayette and Crown Point:
- Franciscan Health is a Catholic healthcare system operating 11 hospitals in Indiana, focusing on holistic and compassionate care. Among other duties, medical assistants coordinate patient care and follow-up appointments
and perform administrative tasks to enhance clinic efficiency. - Parkview Health–Northeast Indiana, headquartered in Fort Wayne:
- Parkview Health is a non-profit healthcare system with 14 hospitals and nearly 300 physician offices, serving as the region’s largest employer. Medical assistants at Parkview Health are involved preparing patients for exams and procedures, collecting and processing laboratory specimens and documenting patient information and care provided, among other duties.
Indiana medical assistant salary stats
Medical assistants earned a median salary of $44,200 at the national level in 2024, said the BLS. Actual pay can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as location of workplace, your years of experience, earned professional certifications and your level of education.
Median salary for medical assistants in Indiana
Indiana has a lower cost of living compared to the national average, so while the median wage for medical assistants in Indiana may be lower than in some coastal states like California, the relative purchasing power is higher, making it a more affordable and sustainable place to live and work. Here are salaries at the statewide level and for highest paying metro areas in Indiana:
Medical Assistants
10%$35,930
25%$37,690
50%$42,390Median
75%$46,360
90%$48,550
Median Hourly Wage$20
Job growth12.5%
Total Employment22,090
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $45,080 | $37,120 | $49,670 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $43,520 | $35,550 | $48,500 |
| Muncie, IN | $41,550 | $35,180 | $45,240 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $39,600 | $34,990 | $46,950 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $39,310 | $35,600 | $45,670 |
| Evansville, IN | $39,220 | $35,910 | $46,730 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $39,180 | $36,540 | $47,570 |
| Bloomington, IN | $39,160 | $36,310 | $44,960 |
| Kokomo, IN | $39,140 | $35,710 | $47,230 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $38,640 | $35,730 | $48,260 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for MAs in Indiana
Within the state of Indiana, medical assistants can expect to earn anywhere between $35,930 and $48,550 annually. While the BLS provides median wage data, specific salary ranges based on experience, education and tenure are not detailed. Generally, the ranges break down to entry-level and experienced and look like this:
Experienced medical assistants: With several years of experience, additional certifications or specialized skills, medical assistants may earn wages above the median. Factors such as working in specialized medical fields or supervisory roles can also contribute to higher earnings.
Entry-level medical assistants: Typically earn less than the median wage. These positions often require a postsecondary certificate or on-the-job training.
Employment by metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within Indiana. Obviously, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas.
Here’s what the BLS reports as the highest employment numbers of medical assistants for the top 10 cities in the U.S. As you can see, Indiana is counted in the BLS’ list of metro areas, ranking at number four and included in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN area.
Indiana MA job outlook and growth
With a job growth rate of 12.5% nationally through 2034, Indiana is right at the national average. O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, reported that Indiana will enjoy a 15% job growth rate through 2030, exactly what the national average anticipates, and the state will employ an additional 3,060 medical assistants during that same timeframe.
Factors that impact IN medical assistant pay
Several elements can influence a medical assistant’s salary in Indiana:
Healthcare setting:
Working in specialized clinics or hospitals may offer different compensation compared to general practice offices.
Education and certification:
Holding certifications like the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) may enhance job prospects and potentially lead to higher wages.
Experience:
Years of experience may lead to increased responsibilities and higher pay.
Location:
Urban areas with higher living costs may offer higher wages compared to rural settings.
Why is Indiana a good state to be a medical assistant?
The best reason is its high demand for medical assistants due to a large, expanding healthcare network combined with a low cost of living.
This means you’re more likely to find steady employment across the state—especially in growing urban areas like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Evansville—while also benefiting from affordable housing, transportation and overall living expenses. In short, Indiana offers job security and financial sustainability, a rare combination in many states.
Indiana MA education path
In Indiana, becoming a medical assistant involves several educational pathways, each tailored to different career goals and timelines. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the steps and options available:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED:
- A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum requirement to enroll in medical assisting programs across Indiana. Courses in biology, chemistry, health sciences, English and math can provide a solid foundation for future studies.
- Choose an educational pathway:
- Indiana offers various accredited programs to prepare for a medical assisting career. These include earning an associate degree, which prepares students to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA); or, earn a certificate in medical assisting. A certificate provides a gateway into entry-level medical assisting careers and may be a step toward earning an associate degree.
- Consider an accelerated program:
- Accelerated programs usually combine online learning, virtual and in-person classes, hands-on skills labs and clinical practicum hours so they may be completed faster
- Online programs:
- Online programs are available and allow students the flexibility of choosing an accredited local school or a college at a national level. Online programs are ideal for parents or those already working but hoping to move into the medical assisting field.
- Certification:
- While Indiana does not mandate certification for medical assistants, obtaining certification may enhance job prospects. Available options include Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), which is offered by the AAMA and typically pursued after completing an accredited program like Ivy Technical Community College’s associate degree program. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), also an option and offered by the NHA, is suitable for those completing programs like IU Health’s accelerated course or online programs.
Financial assistance for school in Indiana
Indiana residents may qualify for the Next Level Jobs program, which provides tuition assistance for eligible medical assistant programs. To qualify, applicants must:
- Be an Indiana resident.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Not have previously earned a degree or certificate in an eligible field.
Cost of living in Indiana
As of 2025, Indiana boasts a Cost of Living Index of 90.6, positioning it as the tenth-lowest state in the U.S. at nearly 10% below the national average. This index indicates that living expenses in Indiana are approximately 9.4% below the national average. The state’s affordability is largely driven by its housing index of 78.3, making housing costs about 22% less than the national average. Other categories, such as groceries (92.7), utilities (99.0), transportation (98.3) and healthcare (94.6), also fall below national averages, contributing to Indiana’s overall cost-effectiveness.
While specific city-level cost of living indices within Indiana aren’t detailed in the provided data, it’s generally observed that larger urban areas tend to have higher living costs due to increased demand and amenities. Conversely, smaller towns and rural areas often offer more affordable living options.
Cities likely above the state average:
- Indianapolis: As the state capital and largest city, Indianapolis typically has higher housing and transportation costs compared to other parts of Indiana.
- Carmel: Known for its affluent neighborhoods and high-quality amenities, Carmel often ranks among the more expensive areas in the state.
- Fishers: A rapidly growing suburb with a strong economy, Fishers has seen rising housing prices and living expenses.
Cities likely below the state average:
- Fort Wayne: While it’s one of Indiana’s larger cities, Fort Wayne maintains a relatively low cost of living, especially in housing.
- Muncie: Home to Ball State University, Muncie offers affordable living, particularly for students and young professionals.
- Terre Haute: With a mix of educational institutions and manufacturing, Terre Haute provides cost-effective living options.
State salary guides for medical assistants
Trying to figure out where to begin or further your medical assistant career? Salary may be a consideration when choosing where to practice your allied healthcare career, so doing your research is important. Here are salary guides for some popular states:
Indiana medical assistant associations
Indiana offers several professional organizations and resources for medical assistants and medical assisting students seeking support, continuing education units (CEUs), networking opportunities and professional development.
Indiana Society of Medical Assistants (ISMA):
The ISMA is the state affiliate of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It provides a platform for credentialed medical assistants to engage in networking, professional development and continuing education. The society organizes events such as the annual conference and district workshops, which cover various topics relevant to medical assistants. Membership offers access to job opportunities, leadership roles and a community of peers.
Indiana Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network:
The Indiana AHEC Network supports healthcare professionals, including medical assistants, by offering continuing education and professional development opportunities. Their programs are especially beneficial for those working in rural and underserved areas, providing training such as CPR renewal classes, webinars on various health topics and simulation events.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA):
The AAMA is the national organization that offers certification, continuing education and networking opportunities for medical assistants. Through its state societies and chapters, including the ISMA, members can find CEU programs and events tailored to their professional growth. The AAMA also provides resources such as publications, self-study courses and information on scope of practice laws.