Average Medical Assistants Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Medical Assistants in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $34,810, which is notably below the national average of $44,590. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific healthcare needs of the area, and the overall demand for allied health professionals in less densely populated regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,490.
- Outlook: The East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 1,080 Medical Assistants, indicating a substantial presence of this profession. With a Location Quotient of 2.28, the concentration of Medical Assistants here is more than double the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these skilled individuals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-21.9%below the national average.
$16.7
$669
$2,901
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Medical Assistants in East Kentucky have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring general trends in the healthcare sector. Factors such as inflation, increasing healthcare needs, and evolving scope of practice likely contribute to a steady, albeit potentially modest, upward trajectory in compensation.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Medical Assistants typically involves gaining experience, which directly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning capacity throughout a Medical Assistant's career.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,930 | $13.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $26,108 | $12.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $34,950 | $16.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $43,513 | $20.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $43,490 | $20.9 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $34,810 in East Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the salary's value.
Job Market Context
1,080
Total Jobs
11.71
Per 1K Jobs
2.28
Location Quotient
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.28 signifies that Medical Assistants are significantly more concentrated in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This high concentration suggests a strong local demand or a specialized regional focus on this role, potentially indicating a competitive market for employers seeking qualified candidates or a stable environment for existing professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Medical Assistants Salary | $41,290↑ 19% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Medical Assistants Salary | $38,740↑ 11% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Medical Assistants Salary | $41,610↑ 20% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Medical Assistants Salary | $42,520↑ 22% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $34,810. This typically ranges from $27,930 for entry-level positions to $43,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 21.9% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not in terms of nominal salary.The average salary of $34,810 is substantially lower than the national average. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable, making it neither exceptionally lucrative nor significantly disadvantaged in real terms.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($41,290) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local Medical Assistant workforce compare to the national average?
The East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a Local Workforce of 1,080 Medical Assistants, and with 11.71 jobs per 1,000 workers, it significantly exceeds the national concentration, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.28.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Medical Assistants in East Kentucky?
A Location Quotient of 2.28 means that Medical Assistants are more than twice as concentrated in this region compared to the national average, suggesting a higher prevalence and potentially greater demand for these roles locally.
How does experience affect a Medical Assistant's salary in this region?
While specific data isn't provided, typically, entry-level Medical Assistants earn less, with salaries increasing significantly with experience, specialized skills, and potential supervisory roles, reflecting standard career progression.
Is the cost of living in East Kentucky higher or lower than the national average?
The Cost of Living Index for East Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the cost of goods and services is neither cheaper nor more expensive than the typical U.S. location.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,080 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 11.71 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 East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area