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Medical Assistant Salaries in North Carolina — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median medical assistant salary in North Carolina is $42,600 per year, equivalent to $20.48/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. North Carolina employs approximately 23,970 medical assistants statewide.

Medical Assistant salaries in North Carolina are below the national average by approximately $433. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.

North Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for medical assistants.

North Carolina Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$42,600
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$35,384

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — North Carolina Medical Assistant Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Carolina median of $42,600.

Your annual salary ($)

Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — North Carolina

Entry Level (0–2 years)$26,400/yr · $12.69/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in North Carolina.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$37,914/yr · $18.23/hr
Established professional working independently in North Carolina. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$47,286/yr · $22.73/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in North Carolina.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$61,300+/yr · $29.47/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in North Carolina.
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Medical Assistant Salary Trend in North Carolina — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

medical assistants pay in North Carolina has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the medical assistant workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Carolina's healthcare and physician offices.

2021
$37,402
2022
$39,575
+5.8%
2023
$41,407
+4.6%
2024
$42,088
+1.6%
2026
$42,600
+1.2%

Medical Assistant Salary by City — North Carolina

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Charlotte$47,300$22.74+11.0%8,389
Raleigh$45,150$21.71+6.0%6,711
Greensboro$43,900$21.11+3.1%4,314
Durham$40,900$19.66-4.0%2,157
Winston-Salem$38,750$18.63-9.0%1,438
Fayetteville$37,050$17.81-13.0%958

Tip: Charlotte offers the highest medical assistant salaries in North Carolina at $47,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

North Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Carolina sits in the mid-range for medical assistants.

North Carolina — 4.5% state income tax$42,600 gross~$35,384 take-home
Virginia — 5.75%$42,310 gross-0.7% vs NC
Tennessee — no state tax$38,150 gross-10.4% vs NC
Georgia — 5.49%$39,000 gross-8.5% vs NC

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.

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Medical Assistant Job Outlook in North Carolina

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
23,970Currently employed
2,397+New jobs projected

Employment for medical assistants in North Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Carolina job market. North Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for medical assistants.

How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in North Carolina

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in North Carolina typically adds $34,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Charlotte pays medical assistants $47,300/yr — +11.0% above the North Carolina average. Simply relocating within North Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Medical Assistants who specialise in healthcare and physician offices typically command premium rates in North Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Virginia pays medical assistants $42,310/yr — -0.7% vs North Carolina.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do medical assistants earn in North Carolina?
The average medical assistant salary in North Carolina is $42,600 per year, or $20.48 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $26,400 while experienced professionals earn $61,300 or more.
What city in North Carolina pays medical assistants the most?
Charlotte pays medical assistants the most in North Carolina at an average of $47,300 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does North Carolina medical assistant salary compare to the national average?
North Carolina medical assistant salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $433. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
How much do medical assistants actually take home after taxes in North Carolina?
A medical assistant earning the North Carolina average of $42,600 takes home approximately $35,384 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.5%.
Should you become a medical assistant in North Carolina?
Yes. Medical Assistant is a strong career choice in North Carolina with steady demand projected over the next decade. North Carolina's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for medical assistants.
What's the licensing process for medical assistants in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, medical assistants are licensed through the State Medical Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Medical Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.