Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Enterprise, AL: $31,107 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Enterprise, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,107 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Enterprise's local price level (BEA RPP 87.9 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,389 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,426) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new medical assistants in Enterprise, Alabama can expect a starting annual salary around $31,107, reflecting the entry-level pay for those just entering the workforce. This figure sits below the city’s median salary of $36,426, indicating a gap that new graduates should be aware of as they begin their careers. Over the first few years, those with a diploma or an associate's degree in medical assisting might anticipate gradual salary growth, moving closer to the 25th percentile salary of $31,955 and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience. Given the projected job growth of 4.97% annually, Enterprise appears to be a favorable market for new graduates eager to leverage their skills and start on a solid career path.
About the Enterprise Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Enterprise
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Enterprise
Entry-level medical assistants in Enterprise, AL typically start between $31,107 and $31,955 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,179 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,426 — 24.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Alabama of $5,000 represents just 16.07% of the starting medical assistant pay ($31,107/year) in Enterprise. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP and ABHES-accredited medical assisting program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, private vocational) and program length.
MA, CMA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Enterprise
- 1Research the Enterprise market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $31,107 to $31,955, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical assisting field — employers in AL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Enterprise, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Enterprise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Enterprise's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in Enterprise is $13,179 ( 42.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,107, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,286.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,225
2025 BLS Actual
$29,634
2026 Current Est.
$31,107
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Enterprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,225 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,137 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,981 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,789 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,634 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,107 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,653 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Enterprise, AL grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,225 in 2019 to $29,634 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,653. New graduates entering the Enterprise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Enterprise metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical assisting Career in Enterprise
Employers in Enterprise that are known to hire new medical assistant graduates include primary care offices and urgent care chains, which often provide structured onboarding to help newcomers acclimate to their roles. Specialty practices, like dermatology and orthopedics, typically seek individuals with 1-2 years of experience but may offer higher pay for these positions—between 20-40% more compared to entry-level roles. To enhance starting medical assistant pay in AL, obtaining national certifications such as CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) can be beneficial. Additionally, completing a diploma or associate degree from an accredited program, which usually takes about 9-12 months, can streamline entry into the workforce. For the first three years, it's realistic for entry-level medical assistants to aim for incremental pay increases, particularly if they align their career goals with the growing sectors, including primary care, urgent care, and corporate health services, which are projected to absorb much of the workforce growth.
More salary data for Enterprise, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical assistants in Enterprise in 2026?
How fast do medical assistant salaries grow in Enterprise?
Is medical assisting school worth it in Enterprise?
What do new medical assistants make right out of school in Enterprise?
How do I become a medical assistant in Alabama?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Alabama
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical assisting graduates. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Enterprise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Enterprise is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov