Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Keene, NH: $40,878 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Keene, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,878 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keene's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,097 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,304) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates considering a role as a medical assistant in Keene, NH, can expect to start their careers with a salary around $40,878. This initial figure may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $49,304, highlighting a gap that entry-level professionals will need to bridge over time. As new medical assistants gain experience, there is an upward trajectory in pay, with estimates suggesting that those in their first few years can rise to approximately $42,224, eventually reaching the median within three to five years. Given this growth potential and the 4.97% annual increase in the medical assistant workforce, Keene presents a promising market for fresh graduates looking to establish their careers in healthcare.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keene
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 Keene
Entry-level medical assistants in Keene, NH typically start between $40,878 and $42,224 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,361 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,304 — 2.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in New Hampshire of $12,000 represents just 29.36% of the starting medical assistant pay ($40,878/year) in Keene. 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 Keene
- 1Research the Keene market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $40,878 to $42,224, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Keene, 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 Keene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keene's moderate 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 Keene is $19,361 ( 47.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,878, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,239.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,892
2025 BLS Actual
$38,943
2026 Current Est.
$40,878
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Keene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,892 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,091 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,829 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,661 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,878 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,910 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Keene, NH grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,892 in 2019 to $38,943 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,910. New graduates entering the Keene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 Keene
Employers in Keene that are actively hiring entry-level medical assistants include primary care offices and urgent care facilities, which typically offer structured onboarding for new grads. Specialty practices, such as dermatology and orthopedics, often favor candidates with 1-2 years of experience, while Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) present valuable roles with benefits like NHSC loan repayment options and bilingual premium opportunities. Graduates should consider obtaining credentials from recognized certifying bodies such as AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, and furthering their education through phlebotomy or EKG certifications to improve their starting pay. In this fast-growing field, realistic salary expectations for the first three years might range from moderate increases to more substantial gains in specialized environments, where salaries can be elevated by 20-40%. As the demand for medical assistants continues to surge, there are ample pathways for advancement, including pursuing further training towards LPN or RN credentials.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical assistants in Keene in 2026?
How fast do medical assistant salaries grow in Keene?
Is medical assisting school worth it in Keene?
What do new medical assistants make right out of school in Keene?
How do I become a medical assistant in New Hampshire?
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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 Keene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keene 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