Medical Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $32,912 (2026)

Medical Assistant Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median medical assistant salary of $32,912, which is $2,296 below the North Carolina state average of $35,208. Compared to the national median of $38,270, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $32,912 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,270 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for medical assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for medical assistants in Winston-Salem spans from $25,284 at the 10th percentile to $44,720 at the 90th percentile — a $19,436 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,800, while senior medical assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $41,280. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Medical Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $25,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $41,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$25,800

$-4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$32,680

$-5,320 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$25,284	$27,048	$29,400
25th Percentile	$28,552	$30,544	$33,200
Median (50th)	$32,912	$35,208	$38,270
75th Percentile	$38,528	$41,216	$44,800
90th Percentile	$44,720	$47,840	$52,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$25,284

25th Percentile

$28,552

Median (50th)

$32,912

75th Percentile

$38,528

90th Percentile

$44,720

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Winston-Salem

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Vital SignsPatient PrepMedical TerminologyEMR SystemsPhlebotomyScheduling

Job Outlook

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median medical assistant salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $32,912 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $25,284 (10th percentile) to $44,720 (90th percentile).

How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $32,912, a medical assistant in Winston-Salem earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for medical assistant pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median medical assistant salary of $32,912 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $35,208. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a medical assistant salary of $32,912 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most medical assistant positions in Winston-Salem require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Vital Signs, Patient Prep, Medical Terminology, EMR Systems. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.

Medical Assistant Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina