Average Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary in Columbia, SC
In Columbia, SC, Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn an average annual salary of $40,900. This figure is notably below the national average of $45,380, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different healthcare industry structure influence compensation in this region. Factors such as the concentration of healthcare facilities and the overall demand for administrative support within the state contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,160.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,530 Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Columbia, SC presents a moderate employment landscape for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.74 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting that while the jobs exist, they are not as densely populated as in other major metropolitan areas. The rate of 3.962 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces this moderate demand.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Columbia, SC earns-9.9%below the national average.
$19.7
$787
$3,408
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbia, SC is not provided, it is generally assumed that the salaries for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants have experienced a steady, albeit potentially modest, growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing healthcare demands, and the evolving administrative needs within medical practices.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The salary trajectory for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Columbia, SC, like elsewhere, is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries considerably higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression opportunities, rewarding increased expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $30,180 | $14.5 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $30,675 | $14.7 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $38,970 | $18.7 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $51,125 | $24.6 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,160 | $23.6 |
Detailed Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,900 in Columbia, SC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Secretary's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay will cover essential expenses at a comparable rate to other areas.
Job Market Context
1,530
Total Jobs
3.962
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.74x the national average concentration of Medical Secretaries and Administrative 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 0.74 for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Columbia, SC, indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where demand is present but not overwhelmingly high. While employers may have a slightly wider pool of candidates to choose from compared to high-LQ areas, there are still consistent opportunities for qualified individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Columbia, SC is $40,900. This typically ranges from $30,180 for entry-level positions to $49,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 9.9% lower than the national median of $45,380.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $40,900 is below the national average, although the cost of living is on par. This means your earnings will have average purchasing power, but the nominal income is lower than the national benchmark.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($38,720) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect salary for Medical Secretaries in Columbia, SC?
Experience is a key driver of salary. Entry-level roles will offer less, while senior positions with specialized skills and years of service can earn significantly more than the $40,900 average.
What is the job market like for Medical Secretaries in Columbia, SC?
The market is moderate, with a total workforce of 1,530 and a concentration (LQ) slightly below the national average. There are consistent opportunities, but it's not an area with exceptionally high demand.
Does the cost of living in Columbia, SC impact the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in Columbia, SC is at the national average (100). This means the $40,900 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How does Columbia, SC compare to the national average for this role?
Columbia, SC falls short on average salary ($40,900 vs $45,380) but matches the national average for cost of living. The job market concentration is also slightly lower than 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 1,530 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 3.962 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 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC