What Can You Earn as a Medical Office Assistant in BC?

Posted by AOLCC | 26th August 2025

If you’re considering a career in healthcare administration, one of the first questions you may ask is: “What is the medical office assistant salary in BC?” Choosing a career is about more than passion. It’s also about ensuring financial stability and growth. In British Columbia, the demand for skilled administrative professionals in healthcare is strong, and salaries reflect the value of these essential roles.

In this blog, we’ll break down what you can expect to earn as a medical office assistant, compare those numbers to healthcare assistant earnings, and explore how training can help you maximize your opportunities.

What Is a Medical Office Assistant Salary, BC?

According to Canada’s Job Bank, medical office assistants in BC typically earn between $17.40 and $29.00 per hour, with a median wage of $22.00/hr. Indeed reports an average hourly rate of $22.67, based on over 1,500 salary submissions as of August 17, 2025. Jooble presents an average annual salary of $57,337, which corresponds to roughly $28.55/hr. In Vancouver specifically, SalaryExpert cites an average annual salary of $59,315 (~$28.52/hr) while Glassdoor notes a Vancouver median of $41,838/year

Entry-level assistants may start at the lower end of this range, but with experience and specialized skills, such as electronic medical records management, billing, or unit clerk responsibilities, your earning potential can grow. Medical office assistants who work in large hospitals or specialized clinics may also see higher wages compared to those in smaller private practices.

Want to start your journey into this role? Here’s a comprehensive guide to becoming a medical office assistant in Canada.

The medical office assistant salary in BC is rewarding and stable, with opportunities for growth.

How Much Do Healthcare Assistants Make in BC?

Job Bank shows healthcare assistants earn between $21.23 and $28.74/hr, with a median of $25.19/hr. Indeed’s regional estimate (Fraser Health) averages $25.74/hr, aligning closely with provincial data. For Vancouver specifically, Glassdoor reports an average salary of $51,130/year, approx. $24–25/hr.

It’s important not to confuse medical office assistants with healthcare assistants, also known as care aides. While medical office assistants handle administrative and clerical tasks, healthcare assistants provide direct patient care in long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community health settings.

Career Outlook and Growth Opportunities

Both medical office assistants and healthcare assistants benefit from strong job security in BC, driven by an aging population and a growing demand for healthcare services. While healthcare assistants focus more on bedside care, medical office assistants can build long-term careers in administration, often moving into office management, medical billing, or supervisory roles.

Additionally, medical office assistants who pursue further training in health administration or related areas may advance into higher-paying positions within clinics, hospitals, or health networks. 

Find out the full range of medical office administrator responsibilities here.

The MOA salary in BC often depends on the quality of training you receive.

Why Training Matters

While the MOA salary in BC ranges are attractive, your ability to secure higher wages often depends on the quality of training you receive. A specialized medical office assistant program equips you with critical skills in:

• Medical terminology

• Patient communication

• Billing and coding systems

• Health records management

• Unit clerk procedures

Employers in BC look for candidates who are not only organized but also trained to handle the fast-paced, detail-oriented demands of a healthcare setting.

Is a Medical Office Assistant in Demand in BC?

The medical office assistant salary in BC is rewarding and stable, with growth opportunities. While healthcare assistants tend to earn slightly more due to their patient-facing responsibilities, medical office assistants enjoy long-term career flexibility in administrative and clerical healthcare support.

If you’re ready to enter this in-demand field, consider enrolling in our Medical Office Assistant program to build the foundation for your success. With the right training, you can step into a fulfilling healthcare career where your skills make a meaningful difference every day.

Are you looking for a comprehensive Medical Office Assistant Program?

Contact AOLCC for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How much does a Medical Assistant make in BC?

Answer: According to Canada’s Job Bank, medical office assistants in BC typically earn between $17.40 and $29.00 per hour, with a median wage of $22.00/hr.

Question: How much do healthcare assistants make in BC?

Answer: Job Bank shows healthcare assistants earn between $21.23 and $28.74/hr, with a median of $25.19/hr.

Question: Is a medical office assistant in demand in BC?

Answer: The medical office assistant salary in BC is rewarding and stable, with growth opportunities.