SalaryNode

Average Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants earn an average annual salary of $50,510. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $45,380, indicating a localized premium for these essential administrative roles. Factors such as the specific healthcare industry demands and regional economic conditions likely contribute to this higher compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,670.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 930 professionals in this field, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara presents a moderately sized employment landscape for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants. The Location Quotient of 0.85 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, there is still a consistent presence and demand for these roles within the region's healthcare sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,510

The average Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns+11.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24.3

Weekly

$971

Monthly

$4,209

Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA

Career progression for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants typically involves a salary scale that increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement opportunities available within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$39,460$19
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$37,883$18.2
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$48,330$23.2
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$63,138$30.4
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$61,670$29.6

Detailed Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,510

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,510 in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Secretary's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

930

Total Jobs

4.593

Per 1K Jobs

0.85

Location Quotient

Below Average

Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.85x 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 0.85 indicates that Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants are present in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara at a rate slightly lower than the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce, implying a balanced environment where qualified candidates can find opportunities without facing extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?

The median annual salary for a Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $50,510. This typically ranges from $39,460 for entry-level positions to $61,670 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 11.3% higher than the national median of $45,380.

Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a lucrative place for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?

Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $50,510 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it a financially stable location for these professionals.

Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants?

The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($53,670) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $50,510, which is $5,130 higher than the national average of $45,380.

What is the concentration of Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?

The Location Quotient is 0.85, meaning the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not overly saturated job market.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living matches the national average. Therefore, the $50,510 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area?

There are approximately 930 Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants employed in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 930 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 4.593 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.