Average Medical Assistants Salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, Medical Assistants earn an average annual salary of $34,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this region. The specific pay rates are influenced by the cost of labor and the overall economic environment of the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,170.
- Outlook: The Auburn-Opelika area supports a local workforce of 390 Medical Assistants, with a location quotient of 1.05 indicating a concentration slightly above the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these professionals, with the job market being reasonably robust and well-established within the local healthcare ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-22.4%below the national average.
$16.6
$665
$2,883
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Auburn-Opelika is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Medical Assistants nationwide have experienced a modest upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and inflation. This national trend likely translates to gradual salary growth for Medical Assistants in Auburn-Opelika as well, reflecting evolving market conditions and the increasing value placed on healthcare support roles.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Auburn-Opelika typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility within the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,270 | $13.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,943 | $12.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,200 | $16.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $43,238 | $20.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $43,170 | $20.8 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,590 in Auburn-Opelika aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income within Auburn-Opelika is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment for residents.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
5.414
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Auburn-Opelika, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.05, the Auburn-Opelika market exhibits a concentration of Medical Assistants that is just slightly above the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand is consistent with the supply of professionals, indicating that while opportunities exist, the market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, GA-AL Medical Assistants Salary | $37,050↑ 7% | 36 mi |
| Montgomery, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $35,070↑ 1% | 49 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $32,830↓ 5% | 76 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $33,340↓ 4% | 77 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $32,620↓ 6% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Auburn-Opelika, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $34,590. This typically ranges from $27,270 for entry-level positions to $43,170 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 22.4% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,590 is significantly lower than the national average of $44,590. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($37,050) and Montgomery, AL.
How does the Auburn-Opelika Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $34,590, which is $10,000 less than the national average of $44,590.
What is the concentration of Medical Assistants in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.05, indicating that Medical Assistants are slightly more prevalent in Auburn-Opelika than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika is 100, which is the national average. This means that despite the lower nominal salary, the purchasing power of a Medical Assistant's income in this area is equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With a total local workforce of 390 Medical Assistants, the market is substantial enough to indicate consistent demand, though not necessarily rapid growth, for these roles within the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 5.414 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL