Average Medical Assistants Salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Medical Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, earn an average annual salary of $40,620. This figure is slightly below the national average of $44,590, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the region. While the nominal pay is lower, the cost of living in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton aligns precisely with the national average, suggesting a comparable purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,520.
- Outlook: The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area supports a robust workforce of approximately 900 Medical Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.13, the concentration of these roles is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a steady demand and a potentially favorable job market for skilled professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC earns-8.9%below the national average.
$19.5
$781
$3,385
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Medical Assistants across the United States, including in regions like Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, have experienced a consistent upward trend over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare demands, evolving responsibilities, and general inflation.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
Career progression for Medical Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, as elsewhere, typically sees salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior or specialized Medical Assistants can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting accumulated skills, responsibilities, and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $33,860 | $16.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $30,465 | $14.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $39,730 | $19.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $50,775 | $24.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,520 | $22.4 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,620 in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, is directly comparable to the national average cost of living, which stands at an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Assistant's salary in this region is effectively on par with the national standard, offering stability for residents.
Job Market Context
900
Total Jobs
5.819
Per 1K Jobs
1.13
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.13, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.13 for Medical Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton signifies a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here may be more favorable or competitive for Medical Assistants than in many other areas, potentially offering more opportunities relative to the size of the workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Medical Assistants Salary | $45,250↑ 11% | 45 mi |
| Spartanburg, SC Medical Assistants Salary | $40,920↑ 1% | 65 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $42,430↑ 4% | 65 mi |
| Asheville, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $41,650↑ 3% | 70 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Medical Assistants Salary | $37,650↓ 7% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $40,620. This typically ranges from $33,860 for entry-level positions to $46,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 8.9% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, but it offers stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $40,620 is below the national average, the cost of living matching the national average means your earnings hold their value effectively.
Is Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($45,250) and Spartanburg, SC.
How does the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is $40,620, which is approximately $3,970 less than the national average of $44,590.
What is the concentration of Medical Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
The Location Quotient for Medical Assistants in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC is 1.13, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the same as the national average, the $40,620 salary in Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median.
What is the total number of Medical Assistants in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area?
The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC metropolitan area employs approximately 900 Medical Assistants.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 900 employees in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC area with a job density of 5.819 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 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC