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Average Medical Assistants Salary in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Medical Assistants in the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA area earn an average annual salary of $51,870, significantly surpassing the national average of $44,590. This higher compensation is likely driven by the region's specific healthcare needs and a concentrated demand for skilled professionals within this locale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $51,870 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,230.
  • Outlook: The San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles area supports a robust local workforce of 870 Medical Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.4, indicating a concentration 40% higher than the national average, the demand for these professionals appears strong and well-established within the local job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$51,870

The average Medical Assistants in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA earns+16.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.9

Weekly

$998

Monthly

$4,323

Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Salary progression for Medical Assistants in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and years of practice can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$38,800$18.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$38,903$18.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$48,140$23.1
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$64,838$31.2
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$73,230$35.2

Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$51,870

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$51,870

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $51,870 in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Assistant's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the pressure of significantly higher or lower living expenses.

Job Market Context

870

Total Jobs

7.192

Per 1K Jobs

1.4

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.40, San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Assistants roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.4 signifies that Medical Assistants are more concentrated in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles than in the typical U.S. metropolitan area. This suggests a competitive market where employers may need to offer attractive compensation and benefits to secure and retain talent, while also indicating a readily available pool of skilled professionals for hiring managers.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Medical Assistants make in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA?

The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA is $51,870. This typically ranges from $38,800 for entry-level positions to $73,230 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA is 16.3% higher than the national median of $44,590.

Is San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Medical Assistants.Medical Assistants in this region earn approximately $7,000 more annually than the national average, and the local cost of living is on par with the national average, enhancing earning potential.

Is San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($51,840) and North Coast Region of California nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size affect Medical Assistant jobs?

A local workforce of 870 Medical Assistants indicates a substantial and established presence of the profession, suggesting consistent demand and opportunities within the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles healthcare sector.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.4 mean for Medical Assistants?

A Location Quotient of 1.4 means Medical Assistants are 40% more concentrated in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles than the national average, indicating higher local demand relative to the general workforce.

How does experience impact Medical Assistant salaries in this area?

As Medical Assistants gain experience, their salaries are expected to increase, moving from entry-level wages towards higher-paying senior roles, with significant percentile gaps reflecting career advancement.

Is the cost of living a factor for Medical Assistants in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the cost of living in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles is average, meaning the $51,870 salary offers standard purchasing power compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA area with a job density of 7.192 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.