Doctor Office Salaries Surge 15% to 30% Amid Growing Staffing Shortages

Compensation for front-line medical staff such as receptionists, medical assistants, LPNs and triage nurses has risen between 15% and 30% over the past five years, according to a Medical Group Management Association analysis.

Facing reduced reimbursement rates, physicians are seeing overall practice costs climb, especially for labor. Data from the Medical Group Management Association shows that over the last five years median total compensation has risen markedly: medical receptionists earned $44,569 in 2025, up 22% from 2021; medical assistants saw a 20.6% increase to $47,440; licensed practical nurses experienced the steepest jump at 29.7%, reaching $60,438; and triage nurses earned $77,196, a 15.3% rise.

The trend reflects a broader reliance on allied health professionals as the United States confronts a projected physician shortfall of up to 86,000 by 2036, per the Association of American Medical Colleges. Akash Madiah, acting CEO of MGMA, noted that even as wage growth slows, the difficulty of filling essential roles remains high, prompting organizations to blend compensation boosts with automation and workflow changes to sustain their workforce.