Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Goldsboro, NC: $32,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Goldsboro, NC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,971 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Goldsboro's local price level (BEA RPP 88.5 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,271 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,109) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the medical assisting field in Goldsboro, North Carolina, the starting medical assistant salary in 2026 is projected to be around $32,971. This figure represents the low end of the salary range, indicating that entry-level positions can sometimes start lower than the median annual salary for this role in Goldsboro, which is set at $40,109. While the gap may appear daunting, it is essential to recognize that many medical assistants can expect progression in their earnings. Over the first three to five years, salaries may rise to around $37,212 or even higher as individuals gain experience and develop their skills. Overall, Goldsboro's job market remains favorable for new graduates, presenting opportunities for those eager to start their careers in healthcare.
Career Earnings Timeline in Goldsboro
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 Goldsboro
Entry-level medical assistants in Goldsboro, NC typically start between $32,971 and $37,212 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,543 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,109 — 16.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in North Carolina of $5,000 represents just 15.16% of the starting medical assistant pay ($32,971/year) in Goldsboro. 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 Goldsboro
- 1Research the Goldsboro market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $32,971 to $37,212, 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 NC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Goldsboro, 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 Goldsboro for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Goldsboro'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 Goldsboro is $16,543 ( 50.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,971, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,514.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,180
2025 BLS Actual
$31,410
2026 Current Est.
$32,971
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Goldsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,410 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,610 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Goldsboro, NC grew 29.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,180 in 2019 to $31,410 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,610. New graduates entering the Goldsboro job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goldsboro 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 Goldsboro
As aspiring medical assistants consider their first job options, it’s important to identify which employers in Goldsboro are most likely to hire new graduates. Primary care offices and urgent care clinics typically have structured onboarding processes that are welcoming to those just completing their training. Specialty practices, such as those focusing on dermatology or orthopedics, often prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience. Additionally, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) can provide unique benefits, including loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), as well as opportunities for bilingual roles. To maximize starting wages, obtaining credentials from recognized bodies like the AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT can be advantageous. New medical assistants should also consider obtaining additional certifications in phlebotomy or EKG to enhance their skill set. With the medical assistant workforce projected to grow rapidly, particularly in primary care and urgent care settings, newcomers can anticipate a realistic salary increase in their first three years as they gain valuable experience in this high-demand field.
More salary data for Goldsboro, NC:
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 Goldsboro. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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