Healthcare North Carolina (NC) Rank #30 of 50

Medical Assistant Salary in North Carolina

The median medical assistant salary in North Carolina is $35,208 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $38,270.

Median Salary
$35,208
vs National
$-3,062
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Medical Assistant Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #30 out of 50 states for medical assistant compensation. Medical Assistant salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $35,208 per year, medical assistants in North Carolina earn $3,062 less than the national median of $38,270.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $35,208 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $38,270 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: medical assistants at the 10th percentile earn $27,048, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $47,840 — a $20,792 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $37,505.

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in North Carolina and beyond.

Medical Assistant Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $27,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,160 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$44,160
$-3,840 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $27,048
25th Percentile $30,544
Median (50th) $35,208
75th Percentile $41,216
90th Percentile $47,840

Medical Assistant Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for medical assistants in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in North Carolina

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. North Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Vital SignsPatient PrepMedical TerminologyEMR SystemsPhlebotomyScheduling

Job Outlook in North Carolina

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). North Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Medical Assistant make in North Carolina? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in North Carolina is $35,208 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $27,048 (10th percentile) to $47,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,208, a medical assistant in North Carolina earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for medical assistants? ▼
North Carolina ranks #30 out of 50 states for medical assistant pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level medical assistants earn $27,600, while senior professionals earn $44,160.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for medical assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for medical assistants is Hawaii at $68,121. North Carolina's median of $35,208 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($35,591) and Idaho ($35,208).
What is the entry-level medical assistant salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level medical assistant in North Carolina earns approximately $27,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $34,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $44,160.
What city in North Carolina pays medical assistants the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for medical assistants, with a median salary of $37,505. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.