Medical Assistant Salaries in South Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a medical assistant make in South Carolina? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $38,820/yr ($18.66/hr), with around 11,750 people working in this field statewide.
Medical Assistant salaries in South Carolina are below the national average by approximately $4,213. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for medical assistants, especially in metro areas.
South Carolina Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Carolina Medical Assistant Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Carolina median of $38,820.
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — South Carolina
Medical Assistant Salary Trend in South Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for medical assistants in South Carolina: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Carolina's healthcare and physician offices.
Medical Assistant Salary by City — South Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $43,100 | $20.72 | +11.0% | 4,112 |
| Charleston | $41,150 | $19.78 | +6.0% | 3,290 |
| North Charleston | $40,000 | $19.23 | +3.0% | 2,115 |
| Mount Pleasant | $37,250 | $17.91 | -4.0% | 1,057 |
| Greenville | $35,350 | $17.00 | -8.9% | 705 |
| Rock Hill | $33,750 | $16.23 | -13.1% | 470 |
Tip: Columbia offers the highest medical assistant salaries in South Carolina at $43,100/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
South Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Carolina sits in the mid-range for medical assistants.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook in South Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for medical assistants in South Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Carolina job market. Steady population growth across South Carolina keeps demand strong for medical assistants, especially in metro areas.
How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in South Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in South Carolina typically adds $31,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbia pays medical assistants $43,100/yr — +11.0% above the South Carolina average. Simply relocating within South 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 South Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Carolina pays medical assistants $42,600/yr — 9.7% vs South Carolina.
Find Medical Assistant Jobs in South Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current medical assistant job vacancies in South Carolina:
🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in South Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in South Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs — Columbia, SC→