In Summary: Medical Office Assistant Salary in BC

The medical office assistant salary in BC varies by occupation, experience, employer, responsibilities, and location. Current federal Job Bank data lists a median wage of $24.00 per hour for the occupation specifically titled “medical office assistant” in British Columbia, while the related medical administrative assistant occupation has a provincial median of $26.50 per hour. WorkBC forecasts 2,610 openings for medical administrative assistants between 2025 and 2035, indicating continuing opportunities within BC healthcare administration.

Medical offices need more than doctors, nurses, and other clinical professionals to keep patient care moving smoothly. Behind the scenes, and often at the front desk, administrative professionals schedule appointments, manage records, communicate with patients, complete forms, and help healthcare teams stay organized.

That makes medical office administration an option worth exploring for people who want to enter healthcare without taking on a clinical role.

But what can you expect to earn?

The medical office assistant salary in BC depends on several variables, and even government labour-market sources distinguish between closely related occupational classifications. Understanding those differences can give future students a more realistic picture of both earning potential and career development.

What is the Medical Office Assistant Salary in BC?

Current Government of Canada Job Bank data reports a provincial median of $24.00 per hour for the occupation specifically classified as “medical office assistant,” with wages ranging from approximately $18.25 at the low end to $30.00 at the high end.

However, medical administrative assistant positions are classified separately. For that occupation, Job Bank currently reports BC wages of $21.54 at the low end, $26.50 at the median, and $35.00 at the high end.

That distinction matters when researching medical office assistant salary per hour. Job titles alone do not always tell you which occupational category, responsibilities, or wage range applies to a particular position.

For someone considering DCC’s Medical & Dental Office Management program, salary research is therefore most useful when considered alongside the actual duties and requirements in a job posting.

What Factors Affect MOA Pay?

Experience, location, employer, responsibilities, training, and the complexity of the position can all influence earnings.

An entry-level employee completing basic reception and administrative duties may have a different wage from an experienced medical administrative assistant responsible for records, billing, insurance forms, scheduling systems, or staff supervision.

WorkBC lists duties in this occupational group ranging from scheduling appointments and managing confidential medical files to preparing financial statements, completing claim forms, maintaining office systems, and potentially supervising other staff.

Technology skills are becoming increasingly relevant as well. WorkBC notes that electronic medical records are replacing paper systems and that employers need workers with computer software and information-management skills.

Students exploring broader career training programs should therefore think about employability as a combination of healthcare knowledge, office technology, communication, organization, and practical experience.

Is There a Difference Between Medical Office Assistant and Administrator Roles?

There can be, although employers do not always use job titles consistently. A medical office assistant might focus heavily on patient reception, appointments, records, correspondence, and day-to-day administrative support. More senior administrative positions may involve greater responsibility for office procedures, coordination, finances, staff, or operational systems.

This can also help explain why published wage figures differ depending on occupational classification.

For comparison, Job Bank lists a $28.50 median hourly wage for the broader administrative assistant occupation in BC. That does not mean an MOA automatically earns that amount by moving into another administrative role, but it demonstrates why developing transferable business-administration skills can expand the range of positions someone may eventually pursue.

DCC’s Business Office Administration program is another pathway for students interested in building broader administrative capabilities.

Which Cities or Regions Pay the Highest MOA Wages?

Available regional data shows that wages can vary across British Columbia, but comparisons should be made carefully because some regions use different data-estimation methods and not every locality has publishable figures.

For medical administrative assistants, Job Bank currently reports median hourly wages of $29.14 in the Northeast, $26.78 in Kootenay, $26.50 in the Lower Mainland–Southwest, $26.44 in Thompson–Okanagan, $26.16 on the North Coast, and $26.00 on Vancouver Island and Coast.

For people researching medical office assistant salary in Vancouver, BC, the Lower Mainland–Southwest figure is particularly relevant: medical administrative assistants have a reported median of $26.50 per hour, with the range extending from $21.54 to $35.00.

Salary alone, however, does not determine whether one location offers a better opportunity. Availability of jobs, commuting, hours, benefits, responsibilities, and cost of living also matter.

What Advancement Opportunities Exist for Medical Office Assistants?

With experience and additional skills, workers may be able to pursue positions involving greater administrative, coordination, supervisory, or specialized healthcare-office responsibilities.

WorkBC identifies 2,610 forecast job openings for medical administrative assistants in BC between 2025 and 2035. Of these, 1,650 are expected in the Mainland/Southwest, 420 on Vancouver Island/Coast, and 410 in Thompson-Okanagan.

The same source notes that workers with related experience and post-secondary education are in particularly strong demand, while the growing use of electronic medical records has increased the importance of technology and information-management capabilities.

Career growth does not necessarily follow one fixed ladder. One MOA might develop expertise in medical billing or records, while another may take on office coordination or supervisory responsibilities. Others may use their transferable administrative experience to explore related positions elsewhere in healthcare or business administration.

For students, the practical takeaway is simple: getting into the field can be the beginning rather than the endpoint. Building strong technology, communication, organization, and healthcare-administration skills can help create options as experience grows.

Are you looking for a comprehensive Medical & Dental Office Management program?

Contact Discovery Community College for more information.

Key Takeaways

• The medical office assistant salary in BC varies according to occupational classification, experience, employer, location, and responsibilities.
• Job Bank currently reports a $24.00 median hourly wage for the occupation specifically titled medical office assistant in BC.
• Medical administrative assistants have a provincial median wage of $26.50 per hour.
• WorkBC forecasts 2,610 job openings from 2025 to 2035 for medical administrative assistants.
• Digital records, scheduling, communication, and information-management skills are increasingly relevant.
• Experience and broader administrative capabilities can support progression toward positions with additional responsibilities.

FAQ

How much do medical office assistants make in BC?

Current Job Bank data lists a median of $24.00 per hour for the specific medical office assistant occupation in BC. The related medical administrative assistant occupation has a $26.50 median.

What factors affect MOA pay?

Experience, employer, location, education, responsibilities, technology skills, and the complexity of the role can influence pay.

Is there a difference between medical office assistant and administrator roles?

Yes, potentially. Job titles and duties vary between employers, but more advanced administrative positions may involve additional responsibility for office systems, coordination, financial tasks, or supervision.

Which cities or regions pay the highest MOA wages?

For medical administrative assistants, current Job Bank regional figures show the Northeast with a $29.14 median hourly wage, followed by Kootenay at $26.78 and Lower Mainland–Southwest at $26.50. Regional estimates should be interpreted carefully because data availability and methodology can differ.

What advancement opportunities exist for medical office assistants?

Experience can support progression into more specialized or senior healthcare administration, office coordination, supervisory, records, billing, or broader administrative roles.