Average Medical Assistants Salary in Merced, CA
Medical Assistants in Merced, CA, earn an average annual salary of $41,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $44,590, a common occurrence in regions where specific industry demand and local economic factors influence compensation structures. Merced's unique labor market dynamics contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $41,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,000.
- Outlook: Merced, CA, supports a local workforce of 620 Medical Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.52, this indicates a concentration of these professionals significantly higher than the national average. This robust presence suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for Medical Assistants within the Merced area, reflecting a healthy job market.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Merced, CA earns-7.2%below the national average.
$19.9
$796
$3,450
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Merced is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that Medical Assistant salaries in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing healthcare demands, and evolving scope of practice likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory for these essential healthcare professionals.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
The salary progression for Medical Assistants in Merced, CA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Medical Assistants with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement opportunities within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,440 | $17.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,050 | $14.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $39,200 | $18.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $51,750 | $24.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $49,000 | $23.6 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$41,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$41,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $41,400 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Assistant's salary in Merced is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average salary in a typical U.S. location, offering stable financial footing.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
7.844
Per 1K Jobs
1.52
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 1.5x 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.
Merced, CA, exhibits a notable concentration of Medical Assistants, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.52. This suggests that the job market in Merced is more saturated with Medical Assistants relative to the national average. While this indicates a strong presence of the profession, it may also imply a competitive environment for new entrants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Medical Assistants Salary | $53,930↑ 30% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Medical Assistants Salary | $47,900↑ 16% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Medical Assistants Salary | $53,110↑ 28% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Medical Assistants Salary | $49,480↑ 20% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Medical Assistants Salary | $63,520↑ 53% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
Hiring Medical Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Merced, CA is $41,400. This typically ranges from $36,440 for entry-level positions to $49,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 7.2% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the nominal salary of $41,400 is below the national average of $44,590, indicating less earning potential in Merced.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($53,930) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's Medical Assistant concentration compare nationally?
Merced has a significantly higher concentration of Medical Assistants than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.52, suggesting a strong local presence of this profession.
What is the cost of living in Merced, CA for Medical Assistants?
The cost of living in Merced, CA is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national average.
How many Medical Assistants work in Merced, CA?
There are approximately 620 Medical Assistants employed within Merced, CA, contributing to the local healthcare workforce.
Are Medical Assistant jobs growing in Merced, CA?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the high concentration (LQ of 1.52) and substantial local workforce suggest a stable to potentially growing demand for Medical Assistants in Merced.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 7.844 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 Merced, CA