Average Medical Assistants Salary in Lafayette, LA
Medical Assistants in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $32,860. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, indicating localized economic factors and demand dynamics at play within the Louisiana job market. The specific compensation reflects the unique interplay of local economic conditions and the supply of skilled professionals in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $32,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,440.
- Outlook: Lafayette, LA, supports a robust workforce of 1,340 Medical Assistants, with a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 7.66. The Location Quotient of 1.49 signifies a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a significant presence of medical assisting opportunities within the local healthcare ecosystem.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Lafayette, LA earns-26.3%below the national average.
$15.8
$632
$2,738
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Medical Assistants nationwide have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by increasing healthcare demands and evolving responsibilities. This upward trend is likely mirrored in Lafayette, albeit potentially at a different pace, reflecting local economic conditions and the overall expansion of healthcare services.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Lafayette, LA, 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 roles can command significantly higher earnings. The percentile distribution of salaries illustrates this career trajectory, with higher percentiles representing greater earning potential for experienced individuals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $26,380 | $12.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $24,645 | $11.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $32,360 | $15.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $41,075 | $19.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $37,440 | $18 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$32,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$32,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $32,860 in Lafayette, LA, 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 for Medical Assistants, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, suggesting that the lower salary is offset by comparable living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,340
Total Jobs
7.66
Per 1K Jobs
1.49
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.49, Lafayette, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.49, Lafayette, LA, demonstrates a concentration of Medical Assistant roles that is 49% higher than the national average. This indicates a relatively strong and potentially competitive job market for these professionals, suggesting that employers may have a greater need for their services compared to other regions across the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Medical Assistants Salary | $35,640↑ 8% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $30,360↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $30,600↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $30,400↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Medical Assistants Salary | $34,950↑ 6% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Lafayette, LA is $32,860. This typically ranges from $26,380 for entry-level positions to $37,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 26.3% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $32,860 is significantly lower than the national average of $44,590, indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($35,640) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lafayette's Medical Assistant job market compare nationally?
Lafayette has a higher concentration of Medical Assistants (LQ of 1.49) and more jobs per capita (7.66 per 1,000 workers) than the national average, suggesting strong local demand.
What is the impact of cost of living on Medical Assistant salaries in Lafayette?
The cost of living in Lafayette is at the national average (100), meaning the lower salary of $32,860 has equivalent purchasing power to a higher salary in a more expensive area.
What is the typical salary range for Medical Assistants in Lafayette, LA?
While the average is $32,860, salaries can vary significantly based on experience, employer, and specific duties, with entry-level roles earning less and senior positions earning more.
Are there many Medical Assistant jobs in Lafayette, LA?
Yes, with a total local workforce of 1,340 and a higher-than-average concentration (LQ 1.49), the job market appears robust for Medical Assistants in Lafayette.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,340 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 7.66 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 Lafayette, LA