By getting an advanced degree in health administration, you’ll be qualified for higher-paying jobs that come attached with more responsibilities and a more fulfilling career overall. Many of the people working in health administration, however, decide not to go back to school due to the high cost and the hard work it takes to earn a master’s degree in this field. However, you might be surprised to learn the average salary you can expect if you get your Masters in Health Administration.

According to PayScale.com, your average salary with an MHA depends on your job title. Some career paths are more lucrative than others. Here’s what you can expect, on average:

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

As you can see, these salaries are much higher than the average salaries for healthcare workers who have just an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. It is also important to remember that these are just averages, which means many workers make more. How can you earn even higher salaries in your field?

First, just working in health care administration over time is a good way to earn more money. Those with MHAs who have less than one year of working experience make, on average, $47,889. On the other end of the spectrum, those with 20 years or more of experience make, on average, about $50,000 more per year. The size of the company also makes a difference. If you work at a smaller company, such as a private practice or smaller foundation, you can expect to make around $60,000 per year in healthcare administration. On the other hand, if you work at a larger company, like a hospital, you’ll make more like $80,000 to $85,000 per year.

The state and city where you work affects your salary potential as well. In general, you’ll make more if you live in a city, since salaries are lower in rural areas, but keep in mind that you’ll also spend more on housing, food, transportation, and other living expenses if you live in a city. That said, the top-paying metropolitan areas are as follows, according to the US Department of Labor:

• 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

By state, the top salaries for those working in the healthcare administration are as follows:

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

Some types of companies also inherently also offer higher salaries. The top average salaries are found working with your MHA in foundations and federal government departments. One thing is certain – by getting you’re an advanced degree, you’ll make a much higher salary.

Top Online MHA Schools

Earning a masters in health administration degree will open doors to a variety of health care jobs and careers. Administrator or director positions within hospitals, laboratory research centers, medical clinics, medical policy organizations, health insurance organizations, and other positions are available to individuals who earn master's degrees in this subject.

Master of Health Admin MBA in Healthcare Mgmt MHA in Gerontology MHA in Health Education MHA in Informatics	University of Phoenix — The nation's largest online university, Phoenix, offers multiple master's degrees in healthcare for aspiring healthcare administrators. Students of the general MHA program will learn to critically evaluate contemporary healthcare issues and trends. Courses taken in this program include economics, marketing, finance, strategic planning, and healthcare policy. Options for majors within the MHA program include health education, gerontology, and health informatics. For the business-minded, Phoenix offers an MBA in healthcare management.
Master of Health Admin Master of Public Health MPA in Health Policy	Walden University — For aspiring health administrators, Walden University offers two suitable master's-level degrees. Their MHA program develops in its students the skills, knowledge, and expertise required for leadership positions in the healthcare field. Their MPH program teaches students about community wellness and disease prevention. For those interested in engaging in public health policy, Walden even offers an MPA in the field.
MBA in Healthcare	The George Washington University — The MBA in healthcare degree program from George Washington University in Washington DC is designed to educate its students on the issues of ethics, leadership, and global business. This program can be completed in two years with part-time study.
General MHA	Ohio University — Ohio University's master's degree in health administration (MHA) prepares individuals for leadership positions within the U.S. healthcare system. Because the program is delivered entirely online, students should enjoy the scheduling and test-taking flexibility.
MS in Health Communication	Boston University — The MS in health communication degree program from Boston University is designed to prepare its graduates to become leaders in the fields of healthcare, health literacy, crisis management, marketing, and social marketing. With part-time study, students can earn this degree within 18 months.
MS in Health Administration Master of Public Health MPH in Health Mgmt MS in Gerontology	Capella University — Capella University was built specifically with busy working adults in mind. And its MS in health administration degree program is no exception. This particular course of study covers subject matter in law, finance, healh policy, quality improvement, and more. Taught entirely online, students of this and the other programs listed to the left will enjoy the flexibility that this delivery format affords. Related programs include Master of Public Health, MPH in health management, and MS in gerontology
MBA in Healthcare	Northeastern University — Northeastern University's reputation is built on their leadership in practice-based education, and their MBA program in healthcare management is no exception. Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter into leadership programs in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospital administration, setting healthcare policy, and more.
MS in Healthcare Mgmt	Kaplan University — Kaplan offers several master's-level degree programs for individuals seeking an administration position within the healthcare field. Their MS in healthcare management will enable graduates to pursue management positions in hospitals, doctor offices, outpatient centers, and home health care services.
MS in Health Administration	New England College — The MS in health administration offered by New England College prepares students who are seeking to advance their current medical/health careers by pursuing a managerial position within the field. This program can be completed within two years by taking one course every seven weeks.
MBA in Health Management	American InterContinental University — AIU offers an MBA program in healthcare management that is focused on preparing students to undertake senior-level managerial roles at some of the most popular healthcare settings, including health insurance companies, hospitals, health consultancies, long-term care facilities, and much more. This degree can typically be earned in under one year.
MBA in Health Management	Colorado Technical University — The health care management MBA program from Colorado Technical University is offered online in a flexible, affordable, and convenient format for busy people. Students will learn about the ethical, legal, and medical responsibilities of undertaking a management position within the healthcare industry.
MBA in Health Mgmt BBA/MBA in Health Mgmt	Jones International University — Jones International University offers both an MBA in healthcare management and a dual degree BBA-MBA program in healthcare management online. Students of these degree programs will be well-learned in ethics, telemedicine, and strategic management as it pertains to healthcare.
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