Q: What does AMA pay?
A: The American Medical Association (AMA) pays its employees competitively, with a wide range of salaries based on role, experience, and function. Compensation varies from standard professional wages for administrative or support staff to very high salaries for senior executives and specialized technical professionals.
Q: What are the typical salary ranges for AMA employees?
A: According to aggregated data from compensation websites and public tax filings:
- Average Base Salary: Approximately $93,000 per year.
- Median Total Compensation: Approximately $124,650 per year (includes salary and bonuses).
- Reported High-End Salaries: Roles like Software Engineering Manager can report total compensation up to $587,050 per year, while Data Analyst roles start around $77,610.
Q: What is the source of funds for AMA salaries?
A: The AMA's primary revenue is licensing royalties from its Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code system used across U.S. healthcare for billing and documentation. This revenue stream funds its operations, including salaries and advocacy work, more significantly than membership dues.
Q: What is the compensation for AMA executives?
A: Executive compensation is substantial and publicly reported. Key figures from the most recent IRS Form 990 include:
- Executive Vice President / CEO: $2,516,084 in total reportable compensation.
- Senior Vice Presidents / Chief Officers: Typically between $800,000 and $1,500,000.
- Elected Officers (e.g., President, Board Chair): Receive compensation ranging from approximately $80,000 to $300,000.
Q: Is the AMA a typical healthcare employer?
A: No. The AMA is a large professional association, advocacy organization, publisher, and technology entity. While it serves physicians, its internal job functions resemble those of a corporation, think tank, and media company, leading to a diverse compensation structure different from a hospital or clinic.
Q: How many people does the AMA employ?
A: According to its latest available public filing, the AMA employed approximately 1,361 individuals. Its total expenses for salaries and wages in a recent year were over $184 million.
For more information on the costs associated with the AMA, including membership, you can review our previous FAQ: Is joining the AMA free?