Average Medical Assistants Salary in North Carolina
Medical Assistants in North Carolina earn an average annual salary of $42,520. This figure is slightly below the national average of $44,590, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's healthcare sector. The pay scale is influenced by the state's unique economic landscape and the concentration of healthcare facilities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $51,720.
- Outlook: North Carolina boasts a substantial workforce of 23,970 Medical Assistants, indicating a significant presence in the healthcare industry. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand for their services across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in North Carolina earns-4.6%below the national average.
$20.4
$818
$3,543
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that the demand for healthcare professionals, including Medical Assistants, has seen steady growth over the past four years. This trend is likely driven by an aging population and increasing healthcare needs, which typically translates to incremental salary increases for skilled professionals in North Carolina.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in North Carolina
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in North Carolina typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $34,920 | $16.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $31,890 | $15.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $42,600 | $20.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $53,150 | $25.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $51,720 | $24.9 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$44,805
Adjusted for COL (94.9)
The average annual salary of $42,520 in North Carolina presents a favorable financial outlook when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 94.9. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the nominal salary offers a reasonable purchasing power for residents.
Job Market Context
23,970
Total Jobs
4.893
Per 1K Jobs
0.95
Location Quotient
North Carolina has 0.95x 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 0.95, the job market for Medical Assistants in North Carolina is closely aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates a healthy and competitive market where the number of Medical Assistants is proportionate to the overall workforce, suggesting consistent opportunities without extreme saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $42,680↑ 0% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $40,260↓ 5% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $43,200↑ 2% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $42,430↓ 0% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $45,130↑ 6% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near North Carolina
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in North Carolina is $42,520. This typically ranges from $34,920 for entry-level positions to $51,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in North Carolina is 4.6% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is North Carolina a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While North Carolina offers a stable job market for Medical Assistants, the average salary of $42,520 is slightly below the national average. However, the lower cost of living can offset this difference for residents.
Is North Carolina a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 94.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near North Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($42,680) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
What is the average salary for a Medical Assistant in North Carolina?
The average annual salary for a Medical Assistant in North Carolina is $42,520.
How does North Carolina's Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in North Carolina ($42,520) is slightly lower than the national average ($44,590).
Is the job market for Medical Assistants strong in North Carolina?
Yes, with a workforce of nearly 24,000 and a concentration (Location Quotient) near the national average, the market is stable and shows consistent demand.
How does the cost of living in North Carolina affect the Medical Assistant salary?
North Carolina's cost of living is below the national average (94.9 index), meaning the $42,520 salary offers good purchasing power relative to other states.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 23,970 employees in the North Carolina area with a job density of 4.893 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 North Carolina