Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Lawrence, IN: $37,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Lawrence, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,379 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,941 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,724) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field in Lawrence, Indiana, the starting medical assistant salary tends to hover around $37,379. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $44,724, it reflects the realistic expectations for entry-level roles. Newly minted medical assistants can anticipate a gradual salary progression, with entry-level pay growing towards the 25th percentile of $38,633 before they typically reach the median salary within three to five years. Lawrence currently represents a viable market for aspiring medical assistants, thanks to its competitive growth rate of 4.97% annually, which is favorable given the expansion of healthcare services in the area.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level medical assistants in Lawrence, IN typically start between $37,379 and $38,633 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,486 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,724 — 6.75% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Indiana of $7,000 represents just 18.73% of the starting medical assistant pay ($37,379/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $37,379 to $38,633, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $20,486 ( 54.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,379, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,865.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,504
2025 BLS Actual
$35,609
2026 Current Est.
$37,379
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,504 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,601 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,714 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,018 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,853 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,236 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, IN grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,504 in 2019 to $35,609 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,236. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Several employers in Lawrence have established a strong presence in hiring new graduates for medical assistant positions. Primary care clinics and urgent care chains are particularly known for their structured onboarding processes, which effectively facilitate the transition into the workforce for new grads. In contrast, specialty practices like dermatology and orthopedics generally favor candidates with 1-2 years of experience. For those looking to enhance their marketability, obtaining credentials from institutions like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT can considerably boost initial pay. Additionally, educational paths that lead to diplomas or associate degrees from accredited programs typically last around nine to twelve months while optional certifications in phlebotomy or EKG can further improve salary prospects. Realistically, entry-level wages may rise steadily within the first few years, as new graduates gain experience, with opportunities in corporate occupational health and alternative care settings driving demand for medical assistants in the region.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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