Average Medical Assistants Salary in Pennsylvania
Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $42,940, which is slightly below the national average of $44,590. This difference can be attributed to a variety of local economic factors, including the specific demand within the state's healthcare sector and regional cost of living adjustments. Understanding these nuances is crucial for healthcare professionals seeking to optimize their career earnings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $42,940 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,890.
- Outlook: Pennsylvania boasts a substantial workforce of 23,650 Medical Assistants, indicating a significant presence in the healthcare industry. While the Location Quotient of 0.76 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the sheer volume of professionals points to a stable and ongoing demand for these vital roles within the state's healthcare infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania earns-3.7%below the national average.
$20.6
$826
$3,578
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Medical Assistant salaries in Pennsylvania have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing healthcare needs, and a growing emphasis on efficient patient care likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these essential healthcare professionals.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement opportunities and the financial rewards associated with accumulating expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,720 | $17.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $32,205 | $15.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $42,810 | $20.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $53,675 | $25.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $49,890 | $24 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$42,940
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,374
Adjusted for COL (99)
The average annual salary of $42,940 in Pennsylvania aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 99, which is precisely at the national average. This means that the nominal earnings of a Medical Assistant in Pennsylvania hold their purchasing power effectively, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
23,650
Total Jobs
3.932
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Pennsylvania has 0.76x 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 0.76, Pennsylvania has a slightly lower concentration of Medical Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering competitive opportunities for skilled professionals entering or advancing within the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Medical Assistants Salary | $39,540↓ 8% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Medical Assistants Salary | $41,790↓ 3% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Medical Assistants Salary | $41,050↓ 4% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Medical Assistants Salary | $41,670↓ 3% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Medical Assistants Salary | $42,020↓ 2% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania is $42,940. This typically ranges from $35,720 for entry-level positions to $49,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 3.7% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, but it is stable.Pennsylvania offers an average salary of $42,940, which is slightly below the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($39,540) and State College, PA.
How does Pennsylvania's Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania earn an average of $42,940 annually, which is approximately $1,650 less than the national average of $44,590.
What is the cost of living for Medical Assistants in Pennsylvania?
The cost of living in Pennsylvania is 99 on the index, meaning it is on par with the national average, making the salary of $42,940 hold its value effectively.
How many Medical Assistants work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs a significant workforce of 23,650 Medical Assistants, indicating a substantial presence in the healthcare sector.
Is the job market for Medical Assistants competitive in Pennsylvania?
With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of Medical Assistants is slightly below the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated but still robust job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 23,650 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 3.932 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 Pennsylvania