Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $31,726 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Kennesaw, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,726 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kennesaw's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,077 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,116) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the medical assistant field in Kennesaw, Georgia can expect a starting salary around $31,726, which is a realistic benchmark for new graduates. This entry-level pay reflects a considerable gap from the city's median annual salary of $38,116, indicating that early career professionals might experience a slower financial start as they acclimate to their roles. However, over the first three to five years, entry-level medical assistants can gain valuable experience and skills, leading to salary growth with potential upward movement to $32,360 and beyond. Given the ongoing demand for medical assistants, Kennesaw represents a promising market for new graduates, making it an opportune time to begin a career in this expanding field.
About the Kennesaw Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kennesaw
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 Kennesaw
Entry-level medical assistants in Kennesaw, GA typically start between $31,726 and $32,360 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,087 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,116 — 20.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Georgia of $6,000 represents just 18.91% of the starting medical assistant pay ($31,726/year) in Kennesaw. 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 Kennesaw
- 1Research the Kennesaw market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $31,726 to $32,360, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kennesaw, 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 Kennesaw for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kennesaw'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 Kennesaw is $16,087 ( 50.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,726, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,813.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,647
2025 BLS Actual
$30,224
2026 Current Est.
$31,726
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,647 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,578 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,372 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,479 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,726 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,303 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Kennesaw, GA grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,647 in 2019 to $30,224 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,303. New graduates entering the Kennesaw job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw
Employers in Kennesaw are keen to hire new medical assistant graduates, particularly in primary care offices and urgent care centers, where structured onboarding programs help smooth the transition from education to practice. Specialty practices like dermatology and orthopedics, however, often prefer candidates with one to two years of experience, creating a distinction in opportunities available for recent graduates. For those looking to enhance their starting medical assistant salary in Georgia, obtaining credentials such as a diploma or associate’s degree from an accredited program, along with national certifications like CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or CCMA (NHA), can significantly elevate their marketability. As the healthcare sector sees rapid growth in entry-level positions, particularly within primary care and occupational health, new entrants can expect reasonable salary increases in their first few years, especially if they pursue continuous education, such as phlebotomy or EKG training, which can further boost earning potential in this vibrant job market in Kennesaw, GA.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Kennesaw. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennesaw 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