Average Medical Assistants Salary in Decatur, AL
Medical Assistants in Decatur, AL, earn an average annual salary of $35,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and supply for healthcare professionals, play a significant role in compensation within this Alabama city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,190.
- Outlook: Decatur, AL, supports a local workforce of 310 Medical Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.03, the concentration of these roles is slightly above the national average, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the region's healthcare sector.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Decatur, AL earns-20.3%below the national average.
$17.1
$683
$2,960
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur is not provided, it is generally assumed that Medical Assistant salaries nationwide have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare needs and a growing demand for allied health professionals. This national trend likely influences local compensation, even if at a moderated pace.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Decatur, AL, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the earning spectrum.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,290 | $14.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $26,640 | $12.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,580 | $16.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $44,400 | $21.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $42,190 | $20.3 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $35,520 in Decatur, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
5.277
Per 1K Jobs
1.03
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.03, Decatur, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.03 signifies that Medical Assistants are marginally more concentrated in Decatur, AL, than the national average. This suggests a healthy, slightly above-average presence of these roles, indicating a competitive but accessible job market for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $36,280↑ 2% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $34,340↓ 3% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $32,660↓ 8% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $36,100↑ 2% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $36,860↑ 4% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
Hiring Medical Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Decatur, AL is $35,520. This typically ranges from $30,290 for entry-level positions to $42,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 20.3% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $35,520 is significantly lower than the national average of $44,590 for Medical Assistants.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($36,280) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
What is the average salary for a Medical Assistant in Decatur, AL?
The average annual salary for a Medical Assistant in Decatur, AL, is $35,520.
How does Decatur's Cost of Living compare to the national average?
Decatur, AL, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the same as the national average.
Is the job market for Medical Assistants strong in Decatur, AL?
The job market is stable with a slight concentration of Medical Assistants above the national average (LQ of 1.03), suggesting consistent demand.
How does experience affect a Medical Assistant's salary in Decatur, AL?
Experience is a key factor, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting career progression through different pay percentiles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 5.277 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 Decatur, AL