Average Medical Assistants Salary in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
In Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, Medical Assistants earn an average annual salary of $40,480. This figure is slightly below the national average of $44,590, a common trend in regions with a lower concentration of specialized healthcare roles. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre healthcare sector contribute to this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,050.
- Outlook: The Medical Assistant job market in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is supported by a local workforce of 880 professionals. While the Location Quotient of 0.67 suggests a lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of nearly a thousand professionals indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for these essential healthcare roles within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA earns-9.2%below the national average.
$19.5
$778
$3,373
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Medical Assistant salary growth in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for this profession have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare demands, inflation, and the evolving scope of responsibilities for medical assistants.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, 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 advanced certifications can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution 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) | $33,630 | $16.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $30,360 | $14.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $40,060 | $19.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $50,600 | $24.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,050 | $22.6 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,480 in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor a disadvantage for Medical Assistants relocating to or residing in this area.
Job Market Context
880
Total Jobs
3.473
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA has 0.67x 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 0.67, the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, market has a lower concentration of Medical Assistants relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for new professionals or indicating a steady demand that outpaces the local supply of highly specialized candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton, NY Medical Assistants Salary | $41,780↑ 3% | 50 mi |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ Medical Assistants Salary | $42,880↑ 6% | 57 mi |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $46,480↑ 15% | 64 mi |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $42,690↑ 5% | 64 mi |
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $44,180↑ 9% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is $40,480. This typically ranges from $33,630 for entry-level positions to $47,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 9.2% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $40,480 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par with the national average. This indicates that while expenses are manageable, earning potential is somewhat limited in this region.
Is Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Binghamton, NY ($41,780) and Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ.
How does the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is $40,480, which is approximately $4,110 less than the national average of $44,590.
What is the Cost of Living in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How many Medical Assistants work in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
There are approximately 880 Medical Assistants employed within the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA, metropolitan area.
Is there high demand for Medical Assistants in Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA?
The Location Quotient of 0.67 suggests a lower concentration of Medical Assistants compared to the national average, which could indicate a steady or potentially growing demand relative to the local workforce size.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 880 employees in the Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA area with a job density of 3.473 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 Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA