Average Medical Assistants Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL
Medical Assistants in Tuscaloosa, AL earn an average annual salary of $34,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, indicating that local market dynamics and potentially regional economic factors influence compensation for this vital healthcare role. The specific economic landscape of Tuscaloosa shapes the earning potential for its medical assistant workforce.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,720.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 570 Medical Assistants, Tuscaloosa presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.02 suggests that the concentration of Medical Assistants in Tuscaloosa is very close to the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with broader national trends. This indicates a robust but not oversaturated environment for aspiring or current Medical Assistants.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Tuscaloosa, AL earns-22.3%below the national average.
$16.7
$667
$2,888
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Tuscaloosa's Medical Assistant salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Across the United States, the healthcare sector has experienced consistent growth, often leading to incremental salary increases for allied health professionals like Medical Assistants. This suggests that Tuscaloosa's compensation may have also seen modest growth over recent years, driven by inflation and increasing demand for healthcare services.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Tuscaloosa, AL
The salary trajectory for Medical Assistants in Tuscaloosa, like elsewhere, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often 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. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding accumulated knowledge and proficiency in patient care and administrative tasks.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $26,520 | $12.8 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $25,995 | $12.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,100 | $16.9 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $43,325 | $20.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $44,720 | $21.5 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,660 in Tuscaloosa, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal wage is effectively balanced by the neutral cost of living, suggesting that the standard of living for a Medical Assistant in Tuscaloosa is comparable to that of their national counterparts.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
5.255
Per 1K Jobs
1.02
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.02, Tuscaloosa, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Medical Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
Tuscaloosa's Location Quotient of 1.02 for Medical Assistants indicates a job market that is very closely aligned with the national average in terms of professional concentration. This suggests a balanced market where the number of Medical Assistants is neither significantly higher nor lower than expected relative to the general workforce. Such a quotient implies a competitive but accessible job market, with opportunities available without extreme saturation or scarcity.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $36,100↑ 4% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $33,340↓ 4% | 52 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $32,620↓ 6% | 52 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $32,150↓ 7% | 52 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $32,230↓ 7% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tuscaloosa, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Tuscaloosa, AL is $34,660. This typically ranges from $26,520 for entry-level positions to $44,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tuscaloosa, AL is 22.3% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $34,660 is significantly lower than the national average of $44,590, impacting overall earning potential.
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Tuscaloosa, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tuscaloosa, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($36,100) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Tuscaloosa's Medical Assistant job market compare to the national average?
Tuscaloosa's job market for Medical Assistants is very similar to the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.02, indicating a balanced concentration of professionals.
What is the impact of Tuscaloosa's Cost of Living on Medical Assistant salaries?
Tuscaloosa's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the lower nominal salary of $34,660 has equivalent purchasing power locally as the national average salary does nationally.
How many Medical Assistants are employed in Tuscaloosa?
There are approximately 570 Medical Assistants employed in Tuscaloosa, AL, representing a stable segment of the local healthcare workforce.
Are there many Medical Assistant jobs in Tuscaloosa relative to other professions?
Medical Assistants hold 5.255 jobs per 1,000 workers in Tuscaloosa, which is very close to the national average, suggesting consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Tuscaloosa, AL area with a job density of 5.255 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 Tuscaloosa, AL