Medical Assistant Salary in Charleston, WV: $32,912 (2026)

Medical Assistant Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median medical assistant salary of $32,912, which is $1,531 above the West Virginia state average of $31,381. Compared to the national median of $38,270, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $32,912 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $37,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for medical assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for medical assistants in Charleston 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. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, 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 88% 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	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$25,284	$24,108	$29,400
25th Percentile	$28,552	$27,224	$33,200
Median (50th)	$32,912	$31,381	$38,270
75th Percentile	$38,528	$36,736	$44,800
90th Percentile	$44,720	$42,640	$52,000

Percentile

Charleston

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 Charleston

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia 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 Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Charleston

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median medical assistant salary in Charleston, West Virginia 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 Charleston? ▼

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

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for medical assistant pay? ▼

Charleston's median medical assistant salary of $32,912 is 4.9% above the West Virginia state average of $31,381. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a medical assistant salary of $32,912 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant in Charleston? ▼

Most medical assistant positions in Charleston 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 Charleston, West Virginia