Medical Assistant Salary in Alabaster, AL: $36,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Alabaster, AL earns a median $36,483/year (≈ $17.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Alabaster's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $41,505 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Alabaster, Alabama can expect to earn a median annual salary of $36,483, reflecting the region's local economic conditions as well as adjustments for regional price parity. The salary range for this role varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $31,098, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $46,807. With these projections derived from 2025 BLS data, it's important to consider the local demand for medical assistants, especially as the field continues to grow and professionals seek pathways to advanced credentials like Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN), enhancing long-term earning potential. Given the city’s healthcare-focused job market, there is opportunity for growth within various medical settings.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,098 | $14.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,077 | $15.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,483 | $17.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37,995 | $18.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,807 | $22.51 |
Median Salary Position
23.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alabaster
In Alabaster, AL, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,709 (2026 est.). At $36,483, the local median is 23.93% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alabaster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alabaster Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Alabaster median: $36,483/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alabaster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $37,651 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -23.93% less |
Medical Assistants in Alabaster, AL earn a median of $36,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.93% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $37,651.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alabaster has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alabaster, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $36,483 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,505 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$26,472
2025 BLS Actual
$34,756
2026 Current Est.
$36,483
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Alabaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,472 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,112 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,949 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,958 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,756 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,297 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alabaster metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $26,472 (2019) to $34,756 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,297 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,825 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabaster 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $31,098 – $32,077 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,077 – $36,483 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,483 – $37,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $37,995 – $46,807 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Alabaster
The job market for medical assistants in Alabaster currently employs eight professionals, indicating a modest level of demand. With a cost of living index of 87.9, which is below the national average, take-home pay can effectively stretch further in this area compared to more expensive regions. Employers in primary care physician offices and urgent care chains typically offer competitive pay, while specialty practices such as dermatology may provide a premium of 20-40%. Factors that contribute to the salary variability include the type of medical practice, additional certifications in areas like phlebotomy or EKG, and special skills such as bilingual capabilities. To enhance earning potential, medical assistants should consider acquiring advanced certifications and gaining experience in specialized settings, positioning themselves favorably in a competitive marketplace.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $34,756 for medical assistantsin the Alabaster metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alabaster 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