Average Medical Assistants Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Medical Assistants earn an average annual salary of $41,950. This figure is slightly below the national average of $44,590, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where specific local economic factors and demand dynamics can influence compensation levels. The concentration of healthcare facilities and the specific needs of the patient population in this region contribute to the prevailing wage structure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $48,520.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a robust workforce of 2,120 Medical Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.06, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, the job market demonstrates a healthy demand. The presence of 5.456 Medical Assistants per 1,000 workers suggests a stable and active employment landscape for this role within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-5.9%below the national average.
$20.2
$807
$3,496
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Medical Assistants in the region have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare demand, inflation, and evolving scope of practice for allied health professionals typically drive incremental salary increases year over year.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or expanded responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps between entry-level, mid-career, and senior Medical Assistants reflect the opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the local healthcare sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $34,000 | $16.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,463 | $15.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $40,830 | $19.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $52,438 | $25.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $48,520 | $23.3 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,950 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national benchmark. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Assistant's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal wage effectively covers the cost of living without significant deviation from the national standard.
Job Market Context
2,120
Total Jobs
5.456
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.06, Charleston-North Charleston shows a slightly higher concentration of Medical Assistants than the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage, but rather reflects a healthy, slightly more prevalent presence of these professionals. This balance indicates a competitive yet accessible market for both employers seeking talent and individuals looking for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Medical Assistants Salary | $39,540↓ 6% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Medical Assistants Salary | $35,750↓ 15% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Medical Assistants Salary | $38,860↓ 7% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Medical Assistants Salary | $38,840↓ 7% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $39,640↓ 6% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $41,950. This typically ranges from $34,000 for entry-level positions to $48,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 5.9% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $41,950 is stable relative to the cost of living, it falls slightly below the national average. The market is slightly more concentrated with Medical Assistants, indicating a balanced but not exceptionally high-paying environment.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($39,540) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $41,950, which is slightly lower than the national average of $44,590.
What is the cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC for Medical Assistants?
The cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100. This means the local salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the Medical Assistant job market in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The job market for Medical Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.06. This suggests a healthy presence of these professionals in the area.
What is the total number of Medical Assistants employed in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 2,120 Medical Assistants employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,120 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 5.456 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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC