Medical Assisting Education & Careers
Medical assistant salary in South Carolina: Ranges, factors & cost of living
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, medical assistants serve as vital contributors to the seamless operation of medical facilities. For those aspiring to join or already part of this dynamic field in South Carolina, understanding the nuances of medical assistant salaries is essential.
This article will delve into the median salaries, salary ranges, influencing factors, top employers, legal considerations, educational prerequisites and the role of professional certification in South Carolina.
Overview of MA pay in SC
There are roughly 9,530 people employed as medical assistants in South Carolina says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that out of every 1,000 people in the state, around four are medical assistants. The median hourly wage is $18 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 13.9%.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of South Carolina include:
- Prisma Health: Columbia, Greenville and multiple locations, SC. As the largest not-for-profit healthcare provider in the state, Prisma Health offers a wide range of medical assistant opportunities across various specialties.
- MUSC Health: Charleston, SC. The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health is a leading academic medical center, provides medical assistants with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration in a research-oriented environment.
- Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System: Spartanburg, SC, and multiple locations. Serving the Upstate region, this healthcare system is a significant employer offering diverse medical assistant roles and a commitment to community well-being.
- Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital: Charleston, SC. With a focus on compassionate care, this health system provides medical assistants with opportunities to contribute to a patient-centered approach in various medical settings.
- Lexington Medical Center: West Columbia, SC. Lexington Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility offering medical assistants a dynamic work environment and opportunities for career advancement.
How much does a medical assistant make in SC?
While the median national salary for medical assistants is $42,000 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of pertinent education. Here’s how medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assisting salaries in South Carolina
As of the latest available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for medical assistants in South Carolina is $37,420. This figure provides a foundational understanding, but it’s important to explore salary ranges to appreciate the diversity in compensation within the state.
10%$30,110
25%$34,550
50%$37,420Median
75%$41,910
90%$46,810
Median Hourly Wage$18
Job growth13.9%
Total Employment9,530
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $39,930 | $35,260 | $47,500 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC | $38,250 | $31,370 | $47,510 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $37,620 | $31,730 | $44,790 |
| Columbia, SC | $36,940 | $30,660 | $44,980 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC | $36,920 | $26,450 | $47,960 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC | $36,750 | $25,520 | $46,000 |
| Sumter, SC | $35,720 | $27,710 | $44,290 |
| Florence, SC | $34,980 | $28,430 | $43,540 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary ranges for medical assisting careers in South Carolina
The salary range for medical assistants in South Carolina accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and takes into consideration factors such as experience, education and time on the job, says the BLS.
- Lowest 25%: Entry-level medical assistants could earn between $27,950–$30,890
- Median: With a few years of experience, medical assistants might fall into the $30,890–$38,880 range
- Highest 25%: Seasoned medical assistants in leadership roles in SC could fall into the $38,800–$44,630 range
Pay by metro area for medical assistants
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say you work in Charleston, Greenville or Columbia for example, which have high-profile medical facilities, pay may be more competitive.
That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the highest-paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, South Carolina cities do not rank in the top 10 paying metro areas, but the BLS says that Florence, SC, makes the top 10 for the highest concentration of jobs for medical assistants in the country at 10.64 per 1,000 jobs.
What factors affect medical assisting salaries in SC?
Medical assistant salaries can vary based on several factors. Factors such as experience, professional certifications and salary negotiation skills can influence medical assistant pay in South Carolina. Earning certification or undertaking additional responsibilities as well as demand for medical assistant skills in certain understaffed or underserved regions may influence pay scales.
How do I know if I am being paid fairly in my medical assisting job in South Carolina?
Understanding what influences medical assistant pay is important, especially if you feel you are not being paid fairly compared to another worker with the same duties.
There are some steps to take to figure out whether you are being paid fairly as a medical assistant in SC:
- Research industry standards: Use online salary research tools and recruitment websites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter, and use BLS data to understand the existing salary ranges for medical assistants in your geographic area.
- Compare your salary with other workplaces that do the same thing: Compare your salary with those of people who work in the same size hospital or clinic. It would likely not be an accurate representation to compare salaries in a large, urban healthcare facility with several locations, to a small non-profit clinic, for example.
- Consider your experience: Honestly evaluate your experience and education to ensure they align with industry expectations for your salary level. Compare what you do on the job to others in similar roles.
- Ask your manager or HR department: HR is skilled in providing insights into industry norms and pay ranges for roles at every level within an industry and work environment. They may be able to help you understand why there is some disparity, or how you may be able to increase your pay.
If individuals believe they are being paid incorrectly, it is essential to be aware of South Carolina’s laws on fair pay. South Carolina enforces the federal Equal Pay Act (EPA) and maintains a state law for pay parity known as the Act to Establish Pay Equity. Employees can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation for resolution.
Education for medical assistants in South Carolina
To become a medical assistant in South Carolina, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Completing a formal medical assistant diploma or certificate training program or earning an associate degree can enhance job prospects. Professional certification, such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), not only signifies proficiency but can also contribute to career advancement and increased earning potential.
Cost of living considerations for SC
RentCafe states that South Carolina’s cost of living is 6% lower than the national average, and that includes all of the state’s major cities except for Hilton Head Island. Healthcare is 4% lower and housing is 18% lower. All of these factor into South Carolina holding much promise for those hoping to begin a medical assisting career there.
Take a look at how some of the major cities in South Carolina stack up against the national average:
| SC City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Charleston | 2% lower |
| Columbia | 6% lower |
| Greenville | 9% lower |
| Spartanburg | 6% lower |
| Myrtle Beach | 8% lower |
South Carolina professional associations
Professional groups aligned to medical assistants’ specific education and certification needs may offer networking opportunities, continuing education avenues, prep tips for certification exams, job boards and the prospect of meeting up with supportive peers and other related medical workers.
Here is the South Carolina group specifically for medical assistants in the state:
- SC Society of Medical Assistants (SCSMA): The state chapter of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the SC group’s goal is to serve as an information source and networking group dedicated to the occupation of medical assisting.
Navigating medical assistant salaries in South Carolina requires a holistic understanding of influencing factors, legal considerations and opportunities for professional growth. By staying informed about the dynamic healthcare landscape, aspiring and current medical assistants can ensure fair compensation and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of their communities.
The medical assistant salary guide for South Carolina aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the medical assisting profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiate salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find medical assistant salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in healthcare roles—and much more.
Written and reported by:
My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Published: February 1, 2024