Average Medical Assistants Salary in Columbia, MO
Medical Assistants in Columbia, MO, earn an average annual salary of $38,710. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand influence compensation in this specific region. The cost of living in Columbia, MO, being at the national average, further contextualizes this salary.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $38,710 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,790.
- Outlook: The Medical Assistant job market in Columbia, MO, is characterized by a local workforce of 410 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the concentration of Medical Assistants is slightly below the national average, indicating a moderately developed but not overly saturated market. The presence of 3.875 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these essential healthcare roles.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Columbia, MO earns-13.2%below the national average.
$18.6
$744
$3,226
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbia, MO, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Medical Assistant salaries in the region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing healthcare needs, and evolving job responsibilities likely contribute to a modest upward trajectory in compensation for these professionals.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Columbia, MO
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Columbia, MO, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, with senior Medical Assistants earning more than their junior counterparts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,320 | $14.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,033 | $14 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $37,590 | $18.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $48,388 | $23.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $44,790 | $21.5 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$38,710
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$38,710
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $38,710 in Columbia, MO, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average for the role, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard, making the effective financial standing comparable.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
3.875
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Columbia, MO has 0.75x the national average concentration of Medical Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.75, Columbia, MO, has a slightly lower concentration of Medical Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market is not as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher quotient. This could present opportunities for skilled professionals, though the overall demand, as indicated by jobs per 1,000 workers, remains moderate.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jefferson City, MO Medical Assistants Salary | $37,470↓ 3% | 27 mi |
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $37,120↓ 4% | 34 mi |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $37,160↓ 4% | 34 mi |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $37,230↓ 4% | 34 mi |
| Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $37,270↓ 4% | 34 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, MO
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Columbia, MO?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Columbia, MO is $38,710. This typically ranges from $30,320 for entry-level positions to $44,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, MO is 13.2% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Columbia, MO a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $38,710 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal pay indicates less lucrative earning potential in Columbia, MO.
Is Columbia, MO a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jefferson City, MO ($37,470) and Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Columbia, MO Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants in Columbia, MO, is $38,710, which is lower than the national average of $44,590.
What is the Cost of Living in Columbia, MO?
Columbia, MO, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly at the national average.
How concentrated is the Medical Assistant job market in Columbia, MO?
The concentration of Medical Assistants in Columbia, MO, is slightly below the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.75.
What is the total number of Medical Assistants in Columbia, MO?
There are approximately 410 Medical Assistants working in Columbia, MO.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Columbia, MO area with a job density of 3.875 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 Columbia, MO