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Medical Assistant Salary in Raleigh, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living (index: 105). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Raleigh β€” Key Numbers

$44,100
Median Salary
$37,758
25th Percentile
$52,049
75th Percentile
$60,732
90th Percentile
National median (Medical Assistant)$42,000
vs. National median+5.0%
Raleigh median household income$75,200
vs. City household income-41.4%

Cost of Living in Raleigh

Cost of Living Index
105(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,131/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio30.8%
Annual rent cost$13,572
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary8.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)8.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Raleigh

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
1,540,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
35.1
Median Age

Raleigh has a metro population of 1,540,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Raleigh, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Medical Assistant in Raleigh is $44,100 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,000 adjusted by Raleigh's cost of living index (105). The typical salary range runs from $37,758 (25th percentile) to $52,049 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $60,732.

Is Raleigh affordable for a Medical Assistant?

On a $44,100 annual salary, a Medical Assistant in Raleigh would spend approximately 30.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,131/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $380,000 is 8.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Medical Assistant's salary compare to Raleigh's overall income?

Raleigh's median household income is $75,200. A Medical Assistant earning the city-adjusted median of $44,100 earns 41.4% less than the typical Raleigh household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Raleigh has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.