Would you like a 29% boost in your salary? This could be your new reality after earning a Master of Health Care Administration (MHA). 

Many factors influence health care administration salaries, with education playing a big role. Earning an MHA can also open up career opportunities and enhance job security.

Are you ready to pursue a Master of Health Care Administration? Learn how this strategic move can help you earn a bigger paycheck and advance your career. 

Master of Health Care Administration Salary: An Overview

After earning a master’s in health care administration, many graduates seek employment in management positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for medical and health service managers is $110,680. The average wage for the same occupation is $134,440. 

That said, many factors influence health care administration salaries, including the industry you’ll work in, where you’ll work, your job title, and more. 

Factors That Influence MHA Degree Salary

Industry and Sector: MHA degree holders can pursue jobs in many health care sectors. From hospitals to private practice clinics to insurance. Other common sectors include non-profit organizations with a focus on health care, and government organizations. 

Salaries can vary widely by sector. For example, managers in nursing care facilities earn an average salary of $106,520, while managers in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing earn an average salary of $231,070. 

Location: Your Master of Health Care Administration salary also depends on where you work. The BLS tracks average salaries for medical and health service managers by state. The states with the highest salaries include New York, Washington, D.C., and Delaware. In New York, health care managers earn an average of $179,160. States with the lowest salaries include Kentucky, Louisiana, and Iowa, among others. 

Experience Level: As with any career, your starting salary as a recent MHA graduate will likely be on the lower end and rise as you gain relevant experience. To give you an idea, consider the range of salaries for medical and health service managers. The lowest 10% of earners had a salary lower than $67,900 while the highest 10% of earners had salaries over $216,750.  

Similarly, those with more credentials, such as a Master of Health Care Administration can earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree. In general, those working in health care roles with a master’s degree earn between 19% and 44% more than those in the same roles with a bachelor’s degree. 

Job Titles: There is a wide range of job options available for MHA graduates. Typically, graduates work in administrative and management roles such as:

  • Hospital administrator or director
  • Nursing home administrator
  • Assistant director
  • Practice manager
  • Operations manager
  • Health information manager

Additionally, MHA graduates may find work as consultants outside the direct health care industry. For example, technology companies creating apps or patient portal platforms may hire expert consultants. Another common job title is policy analyst. Both insurance companies and government agencies may require experts in health management to help make smart decisions about health care policies. 

Career Opportunities and Growth Potential

While many MHA graduates seek positions in the medical and health services management sector, degree holders can also work in other roles. An MHA offers a wide range of opportunities for growth and career advancement. 

As they gain experience, graduates may also achieve job titles such as chief executive officer or financial manager, which boast even higher salaries. A chief executive officer can earn upwards of $246,440 while financial managers can earn $166,050 or more. 

Industry Demand for MHA Graduates

The health care industry is growing exponentially, with an expected compound annual growth rate of over 9% between 2024 and 2032. The burgeoning industry will require a larger workforce to meet the needs of an aging population and a growing percentage of people experiencing chronic health conditions. This means that demand will only grow for health care administrators with the expertise and knowledge to do their jobs well. 

According to the BLS, projected employment for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by as much as 29% from 2023 through 2033. Industry growth means that getting an MHA is a smart move for job security. Another advantage is that graduates will be in high demand, meaning MHA degree holders can expect competitive salaries. 

Tips for Maximizing Your Master's in Health Care Administration Salary

Earning your MHA degree is one of many steps you can take to boost your salary. After getting this degree, you can also increase your earning potential by taking the following steps:

Earn Certifications: Enhancing your knowledge with certifications can help you stand out as an expert in specialized areas. For example, the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management offers a range of certifications ideal for those working in small-group physician practices. Another popular certification is the Certified Professional in Health Care Risk Management (CPHRM). By achieving this certification, you can stand out for leadership positions. 

Networking: During your MHA courses, take time to network with classmates and professors who can help you take the next step in your career. In my experience, attending a professor's office hours to dig deeper into coursework can make it easier to request a letter of recommendation or connect with other industry leaders through word of mouth. If you want to expand your network, also consider looking into your alma mater’s alumni association or attending medical conferences. 

Strategic Roles: Another way to maximize your salary is by looking for a job in sectors with the highest demand and salaries. According to the BLS, sectors with the highest levels of employment for administrators include hospitals, physician’s offices, and outpatient care centers. If you’re looking for the best salary, then consider job searching in scientific research and development services, a sector where management salaries reach upwards of $228,170. 

Unlock Your Salary Potential with a Master's in Health Care Administration

Earning a Master of Health Care Administration can help you increase your earning potential. Beyond a salary boost working in health care administration can also be a rewarding experience that offers you the opportunity to make a difference in the world. 

Are you ready to find out if earning your MHA is the best career move for you? Take the quiz to explore health care careers and discover the best match for you.