Average Medical Assistants Salary in Lake Charles, LA
Medical Assistants in Lake Charles, LA, earn an average annual salary of $34,950. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the region. The pay scale in Lake Charles is influenced by the unique economic landscape and the concentration of healthcare facilities within the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,950 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $37,440.
- Outlook: The job market for Medical Assistants in Lake Charles, LA, appears robust, with a total local workforce of 1,520 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.94 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles in Lake Charles compared to the rest of the country. This suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for Medical Assistants within the local healthcare sector.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Lake Charles, LA earns-21.6%below the national average.
$16.8
$672
$2,913
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lake Charles is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Medical Assistants have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased healthcare demand, and inflation typically contribute to modest annual salary increases for healthcare support roles.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Lake Charles, LA
Career progression for Medical Assistants in Lake Charles, LA, is typically marked by increasing compensation. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or those in supervisory roles can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $27,870 | $13.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $26,213 | $12.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $37,440 | $18 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $43,688 | $21 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $37,440 | $18 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,950
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,950
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,950 for Medical Assistants in Lake Charles, LA, 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 locally is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
1,520
Total Jobs
15.139
Per 1K Jobs
2.94
Location Quotient
Lake Charles, LA has 2.9x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 2.94, Lake Charles, LA, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Medical Assistants than the national average. This suggests that the job market is not only abundant with opportunities but also potentially competitive, as there are more professionals in this field relative to the general workforce compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX Medical Assistants Salary | $39,000↑ 12% | 56 mi |
| Lafayette, LA Medical Assistants Salary | $32,860↓ 6% | 70 mi |
| Alexandria, LA Medical Assistants Salary | $31,670↓ 9% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lake Charles, LA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Lake Charles, LA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Lake Charles, LA is $34,950. This typically ranges from $27,870 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 Lake Charles, LA is 21.6% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Lake Charles, LA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, it is not currently a lucrative place for Medical Assistants compared to the national average.The average salary of $34,950 is substantially lower than the national average of $44,590. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Lake Charles, LA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Lake Charles, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lake Charles, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($39,000) and Lafayette, LA.
How does the number of Medical Assistants in Lake Charles compare nationally?
Lake Charles has 15.139 Medical Assistants per 1,000 workers, which is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence in this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Medical Assistants in Lake Charles?
A Location Quotient of 2.94 means that Medical Assistants are nearly three times more concentrated in Lake Charles than in the average U.S. location, signaling high local demand and a specialized job market.
Does experience impact a Medical Assistant's salary in Lake Charles?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less and senior or specialized roles commanding higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path.
How does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Medical Assistant's salary in Lake Charles?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local purchasing power of the $34,950 salary is equivalent to the national average, meaning the lower salary is balanced by lower (or average) living expenses.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,520 employees in the Lake Charles, LA area with a job density of 15.139 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 Lake Charles, LA