Average Medical Assistants Salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County, GA, earn an average annual salary of $39,440. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation within this Georgia locale. Understanding these regional pay scales is crucial for both employers and prospective employees navigating the healthcare support sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,440 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,780.
- Outlook: The local job market for Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County appears robust, with a total workforce of 940 individuals in this role. The high Location Quotient of 1.92 indicates a significant concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for their services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-11.5%below the national average.
$19
$758
$3,287
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in healthcare support roles. This general increase is typically driven by inflation, rising demand for healthcare services, and the need for qualified personnel.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and several years of experience can expect to earn significantly more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles of the pay scale. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,510 | $14.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,580 | $14.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $38,670 | $18.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $49,300 | $23.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,780 | $23 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,440
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,440
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $39,440 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income for Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County, GA, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is below the national average, the cost of essential goods and services locally does not present an additional financial burden compared to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
940
Total Jobs
9.888
Per 1K Jobs
1.92
Location Quotient
Athens-Clarke County, GA has 1.9x the national concentration of Medical Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.92 for Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County signifies a market where this profession is nearly twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a high demand for Medical Assistants relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to competitive hiring environments and opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville, GA Medical Assistants Salary | $41,100↑ 4% | 35 mi |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Medical Assistants Salary | $43,290↑ 10% | 60 mi |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $35,840↓ 9% | 65 mi |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $38,500↓ 2% | 65 mi |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $35,650↓ 10% | 65 mi |
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
Hiring Medical Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $39,440. This typically ranges from $30,510 for entry-level positions to $47,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 11.5% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, but the market is concentrated.While the average salary of $39,440 is below the national average, the high concentration of Medical Assistants (LQ of 1.92) indicates strong local demand.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($41,100) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the Athens-Clarke County Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County earn an average of $39,440 annually, which is approximately $5,150 less than the national average of $44,590.
What is the job concentration for Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County?
Athens-Clarke County has a high concentration of Medical Assistants, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.92, meaning the profession is nearly twice as common there as it is nationwide.
How does the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County affect the Medical Assistant salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $39,440 salary has standard purchasing power locally, without being significantly diminished or enhanced by living expenses.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for Medical Assistants in Athens-Clarke County?
With 9.888 jobs per 1,000 workers, Athens-Clarke County shows a substantial presence of Medical Assistant roles within its local economy, reinforcing the high concentration indicated by the Location Quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 9.888 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Medical Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Athens-Clarke County, GA