Not everyone working in the health care field works as a doctor or nurse. Health care administration is a growing field with a high demand for qualified worked with their master’s degrees. While you can start working in the health administration field with just an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, getting your master’s degree means that you are able to apply for higher-level jobs that come complete with not only more responsibility, but also larger paychecks.

What kind of average salary can you expect if you have your master’s in health care administration? That depends on a number of factors, including the job title you eventually take. Here’s a look at some of the average salaries for jobs in this field:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): $180,000
• Chief Operating Officer (COO): $128,380
• Practice Administrator: $80,000
• Hospital Administrator: $77,195
• Healthcare Consultant: $70,839

In addition, when you have your MHA, you’ll often qualify for jobs with better benefits. For example, according to Payscale.com, CEOs average $22,500 in annual bonuses, on top of their salaries. Even in other jobs in the health administration field, you can expect to receive thousands of dollars in bonuses, as well as other benefits like better health and life insurance, more paid vacation days, retirement plans, and more. So, all of these combine together to mean that you’ll earn a lot more money every year than if you just have your bachelor’s degree.

Your exact salary also depends where you work. According to studies, you’ll earn the most money if you have a MHA by working for a foundation, federal government department, or private practice. Where you live in the United States also makes a difference in your salary. The top states for all administrators in the health care field are as follows, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Washington: $109,570
• Vermont: $107,810
• New York: $105,010
• Massachusetts: $104,520
• Rhode Island: $103,830

By living in a city, you can also often earn more money. The top metropolitan areas in terms of annual wage for health administrators are as follows:

• Salinas, California: $131,500
• Lawrence – Methuen – Salem, Massachusetts/New Hampshire: $126,860
• Panama City – Lynn Haven, Florida: $125,580
• Burlington – South Burlington, Vermont: $123,290
• Seattle – Bellevue – Everett, Washington: $118,680

However, with living in a city, your cost of living will also be higher, so you might make more money, relatively, by living in a more rural area, even if the salary you’re offered is lower.

In any case, your average salary as an administrator in the health care world will only increase if you go back to school to get your master’s degree. With online programs, you can get your degree as you continue to work, as well as save money on your education. This is a great way to qualify for better jobs, even if you don’t have the ability to become a full-time student currently.

Individuals looking for work in healthcare administration will do well to earn a graduate level degree in a relevant program of study. Many online universities offer fully accredited master's degree programs in general health or specializations within the healthcare field. While the MHA is very popular, students should also consider MS degrees within different healh-related specializations or the Master of Public Health degree.

Master of Health Administration MHA - Gerontology MHA - Health Education MHA - Health Informatics	University of Phoenix — From the nation's largest online university comes an MHA degree program that is geared toward healthcare professionals looking to advance in their careers. The online programs of study from the University of Phoenix are delivered in a flexible and affordable format, making Phoenix a top choice for many students.
MS in Health Communication	Boston University — Boston University has a long tradition of academic excellence. (The fact that it was founded in 1839 makes it one of the oldest universities in the nation to offer online degrees.) Their master's degree in health communication promotes leadership in the fields of healthcare, marketing, and crisis management.
Master of Health Administration Master of Public Health	Walden University — The Master of Health Administration degree from Walden University is a practice-oriented online degree program that addresses the best practices and core competencies of the health administrator profession. Upon graduation from this program, career options include health care supplies, health policy organizations, health providers, and more.
MBA - Healthcare Management	Northeastern University — The online MBA in healthcare management program offered at Northeastern University is designed to provide a solid foundation in business enterprise while simultaneously sharpening knowledge within the healthcare profession. Students of this program will be well prepared for many career challenges in the healthcare industry.
MBA in Healthcare	George Washington University — The Master of Business Administration in healthcare program from George Washington University is a program based on the ideals of global business, leadership, and healthcare ethics. This program, which comprises 23 core and 12 elective courses, can be completed in two years.
Master of Health Administration	Ohio University — Ohio University offers an online MHA degree program that is designed to prepare healthcare professionals for leadership positions within contemporary healthcare organizations. Since this program is delivered entirely online, students are able to work toward their degree from their home or office while continuing to build their careers.
MS - Health Admin Master of Public Health MPH - Health Management MS in Gerontology	Capella University — The MS in healthcare administration degree from Capella University can be earned online while continuing work within the field. Students of this particular specialization will study a wide range of healthcare topics, including management, managed care, finance, quality imrpovement, and law, to name a few.
MS in Health Admin	New England College — The MS in healthcare administration program offered by New England College comprises nine courses and 36 credit-hours of study. Part-time students taking one class every seven weeks can finish this program within two years.
MS - Healthcare Management MBA - Healthcare Management MPH - Development MPH - Health Education	Kaplan University — Kaplan University offers an MBA in healthcare management that comprises 60 quarter credit hours of study. Students of this program will develop the leadership, innovation, and corporate responsibility knowledge and skills required of a professional in the healthcare sector.
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