Average Medical Assistants Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Medical Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $37,330, which is notably below the national average of $44,590. This disparity is often influenced by regional economic factors, the specific demand within the local healthcare sector, and the overall cost of labor in the area, which collectively shape compensation levels for these vital healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $37,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,910.
- Outlook: The Fort Smith, AR-OK metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 330 Medical Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.66, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of 3.39 Medical Assistants per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these professionals within the local healthcare infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-16.3%below the national average.
$18
$718
$3,111
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Medical Assistants nationwide have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare demands and a growing need for skilled support staff. This national trend likely reflects in local markets, with potential for modest salary increases in Fort Smith as well, though regional economic conditions can influence the pace of this growth.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Medical Assistants typically involves gaining experience and specialized skills, which directly impacts earning potential. Entry-level positions generally offer salaries at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and certifications can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary data, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, illustrate this clear career trajectory and the financial rewards associated with advancing in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,930 | $14.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,998 | $13.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,700 | $17.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,663 | $22.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $42,910 | $20.6 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$37,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$37,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $37,330 for Medical Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national standard, as everyday expenses do not exceed the national average.
Job Market Context
330
Total Jobs
3.39
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.66x 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 0.66, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly lower concentration of Medical Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not oversaturated, but it also indicates that the demand might be less robust than in areas with a higher concentration. While this may present fewer opportunities than in high-demand regions, it also implies a potentially stable employment landscape for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Medical Assistants Salary | $39,210↑ 5% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Medical Assistants Salary | $38,140↑ 2% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $37,330. This typically ranges from $30,930 for entry-level positions to $42,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 16.3% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, Fort Smith, AR-OK is not a particularly lucrative place for Medical Assistants based on average salary.The average salary of $37,330 is significantly lower than the national average of $44,590, although the cost of living is at the national average.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($39,210) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK compare to the national average?
The cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100.
What is the concentration of Medical Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The concentration of Medical Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK is below the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.66.
How many Medical Assistants are there in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
There are approximately 330 Medical Assistants employed in the Fort Smith, AR-OK metropolitan area.
What is the job outlook for Medical Assistants in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The job outlook appears stable, with 3.39 Medical Assistants per 1,000 workers, though the lower Location Quotient suggests moderate demand relative to national averages.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 3.39 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK