Average Medical Assistants Salary in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Medical Assistants in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $39,820. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially different demand structure compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and healthcare needs of this nonmetropolitan region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital healthcare professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $39,820 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,280 Medical Assistants, the job market in Western North Carolina presents a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, environment. The location quotient of 0.97 indicates a concentration of these roles that is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced supply and demand. The presence of 5.008 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces the steady, consistent need for Medical Assistants in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-10.7%below the national average.
$19.2
$766
$3,318
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Medical Assistants across the nation, including in regions like Western North Carolina, have experienced modest growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing healthcare demands, and the evolving scope of practice for allied health professionals, leading to a gradual upward trend in average earnings.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Medical Assistants in Western North Carolina typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and potentially specialized skills can command higher salaries. The variance in pay across different experience levels, often seen in percentile distributions, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $32,720 | $15.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $29,865 | $14.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $37,350 | $18 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $49,775 | $23.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $47,070 | $22.6 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$39,820
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$39,820
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $39,820 in Western North Carolina's nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the lower nominal wage is effectively offset by the stable cost of living, suggesting a balanced financial standing for residents.
Job Market Context
1,280
Total Jobs
5.008
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.97x 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.
A location quotient of 0.97 for Medical Assistants in Western North Carolina indicates that the concentration of these professionals in the area is nearly on par with the national average. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where the supply of Medical Assistants closely matches the demand. It implies that while opportunities exist, the market is not oversaturated, nor is there a significant shortage, creating a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $42,680↑ 7% | 32 mi |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $40,260↑ 1% | 36 mi |
| Burlington, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $43,200↑ 8% | 36 mi |
| Winston-Salem, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $42,430↑ 7% | 41 mi |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Medical Assistants Salary | $45,130↑ 13% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $39,820. This typically ranges from $32,720 for entry-level positions to $47,070 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 10.7% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $39,820 is below the national average of $44,590, although the cost of living is also at the national average, moderating the impact of the lower wage.
Is Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($42,680) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the local Medical Assistant workforce compare to the national average?
The local workforce concentration, measured by the location quotient of 0.97, is very close to the national average, indicating a similar proportion of Medical Assistants relative to the overall workforce.
What is the total number of Medical Assistants employed in this region?
There are approximately 1,280 Medical Assistants employed in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Medical Assistant jobs per capita compare nationally?
With 5.008 jobs per 1,000 workers, the region shows a steady availability of Medical Assistant positions relative to its population size, closely mirroring national trends.
Does experience significantly impact a Medical Assistant's salary in Western North Carolina?
Yes, like most healthcare roles, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior Medical Assistants typically earning more than entry-level practitioners.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,280 employees in the Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.008 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 Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area