Medical Assistant in Greenville, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Greenville Stands

As a local who’s watched the healthcare scene here for years, I can tell you that Greenville’s Medical Assistant salary landscape is unique. It’s not the highest in Mississippi, but the lower cost of living makes your paycheck stretch further than in bigger cities.

Let’s break down the numbers. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Greenville is $36,433/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.52/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $38,270/year, a gap you’ll find in most rural Mississippi markets. However, with only 57 jobs listed in the metro area at any given time, competition can be fierce, but the opportunities are stable for qualified candidates. The 10-year job growth projection of 15% is promising, reflecting the aging population and expanding healthcare needs in the Delta region.

To understand where this fits, here’s a look at how experience level typically influences pay in our area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Greenville)	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,000	$14.90 - $16.35
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,000 - $39,000	$16.83 - $18.75
Senior (5-10 years)	$38,000 - $42,000	$18.27 - $20.19
Expert (10+ years/Supervisory)	$42,000+	$20.19+

Insider Tip: Specializing in a high-demand area like phlebotomy or EKG technology can push you into the mid-level or senior range faster, even without a decade of experience. It’s a smart move in a small job market.

Compared to other Mississippi cities, Greenville sits in the middle. Jackson, with its larger hospital systems and state capital, often sees salaries a few thousand dollars higher. In contrast, smaller towns in the Delta might offer comparable or slightly lower wages. Greenville offers a balance: a decent wage for the region without the intense competition or higher living costs of a major metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number on paper is one thing; your actual take-home is another. In Mississippi, you’ll face a state income tax that ranges from 0% to 5%. For a single filer earning $36,433, you can expect to pay roughly 3-4% in state taxes after standard deductions, plus your federal withholding and FICA (7.65%).

A more critical factor is housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Greenville is $714/month. This is a key advantage. The city’s Cost of Living Index is 84.0, significantly below the US average of 100. Your dollar goes much further here than in most of the country.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Medical Assistant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,036	$36,433 / 12
Estimated Net Pay (after taxes)	$2,450	Approx. 20% effective tax rate
Rent (1BR Average)	$714	You can find quality 1BRs in this range.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	$180	Varies by season; higher in summer.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Necessary in Greenville; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300	Competitive pricing at local grocers.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$150	Employer plans often reduce this.
Discretionary/Other	$256	For savings, entertainment, etc.
Remaining/Savings	$500	Potential for savings or a mortgage payment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, it’s very feasible. With a $500/month surplus, a Medical Assistant could comfortably save for a down payment. The median home price in Greenville is around $95,000-$110,000. A 20% down payment ($19,000-$22,000) might take 3-4 years of dedicated saving, but it’s a tangible goal. A 5% down payment ($4,750-$5,500) is reachable within 1-2 years. The local real estate market is stable, making homeownership a practical long-term strategy for building wealth here.

Where the Jobs Are: Greenville's Major Employers

The healthcare job market in Greenville is centered around a few key players. Knowing who they are and what they’re like will give you a major edge in your search.

1. Delta Regional Medical Center (DRMC): The largest employer in the area. This 151-bed acute care hospital is the heart of healthcare in Washington County. They have a constant need for MAs in their busy ER, family medicine clinics, and specialty departments (cardiology, orthopedics). Hiring trends show a preference for candidates with BLS/CPR certification and at least one year of clinical experience. Insider Tip: DRMC often posts jobs on its own website before reaching major boards. Check it weekly.

2. Bolivar Medical Center: Located just across the river in Cleveland, MS (a 20-minute commute), this is another major regional hospital. It serves a similar patient population and has a reputation for a strong team environment. They frequently hire for their multi-specialty clinics. Commuting to Cleveland is common for healthcare workers in the area.

3. Greenville Family Medicine & Urgent Care Centers: Several private practices and urgent care chains operate in the city, such as Greenville Medical Associates and NextCare Urgent Care. These are excellent entry points for MAs who prefer a clinic setting over a hospital. They often have more predictable hours (no overnight shifts) but may offer slightly lower starting pay than DRMC. Hiring is often seasonal, peaking before winter.

4. Minority Health & Community Clinics: Organizations like the Delta Health Center in nearby Mound Bayou (45 mins) or the Washington County Clinic focus on underserved populations. They are mission-driven and often have grant-funded positions, which can be stable but require a passion for community health. They are fantastic for gaining experience in public health and chronic disease management.

5. Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities: With an aging population, facilities like The Bridge at Greenville and Sunrise of Greenville are consistent employers. They need MAs for patient intake, medication assistance, and coordination with visiting physicians. The pace is different from a hospital but offers deep patient relationships.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a noticeable push toward MAs with electronic health record (EHR) proficiency, especially with systems like Epic or Cerner, which DRMC and larger clinics use. If you have this skill, highlight it prominently.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has a clear path for Medical Assistants, but it’s not “license-heavy” like some states. The state does not require MAs to be certified or registered to perform basic clinical tasks. However, employers almost universally prefer or require national certification.

Key Requirements:

• Education: A postsecondary certificate or diploma from an accredited Medical Assistant program is the standard entry point. Greenville has several options, including community colleges and vocational schools.
• Certification: While not state-mandated, you should pursue one of these two major certifications to be competitive:
  • CMA (AAMA): Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Requires graduation from an accredited program and passing an exam. This is often the gold standard for hospital roles.
  • RMA (AMT): Offered by the American Medical Technologists. Also requires formal education and an exam. Widely accepted.

Costs and Timeline:

• Training Program: $3,500 - $8,000 for a 9-12 month certificate program. Local community colleges (like Mississippi Delta Community College, with a campus in nearby Moorhead) offer the most affordable routes.
• Certification Exam: $120 - $150 for the exam fee.
• Timeline to Get Started: From enrollment to landing your first job, expect 12-18 months. This includes 9-12 months of schooling, 1-2 months for exam prep and scheduling, and a 3-6 month job search.

Insider Tip: Some larger employers, like DRMC, may offer tuition reimbursement or hire MAs-in-training. It’s worth asking about during interviews. Also, ensure your program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) to qualify for the CMA exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Choosing where to live in Greenville depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. North Greenville (near US-82): This is the most convenient area for DRMC employees. You’re 5-10 minutes from the hospital and major shopping (Walmart, Lowe’s). Rent is close to the city average ($700-$800 for a 1BR). It’s a practical, no-nonsense choice for professionals who value a short commute above all else.
2. Downtown Greenville: Ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the action. You’re near local restaurants, the Riverfront, and community events. Commute to DRMC is about 10-15 minutes. Rent can be slightly higher for renovated lofts ($800-$950), but you’ll save on entertainment and dining out. Walkable and vibrant.
3. South Greenville: This area offers more spacious, older homes and a quieter, residential feel. Commute to DRMC is 15-20 minutes. You’ll find rent a bit lower here ($650-$750). It’s great for MAs who want a peaceful home life after a busy shift. Proximity to parks is a plus.
4. East Greenville (near the airport): A growing area with newer apartment complexes. Commute is easy via the main highways (15-20 mins to DRMC). Rent is competitive ($700-$850). This is a good option for MAs who might commute to Cleveland for work or travel frequently.
5. Lake Washington Area: If you enjoy outdoor recreation, living near Lake Washington or the Mississippi River levees offers a unique lifestyle. Commutes can be longer (20+ minutes), but the trade-off is scenic views and a more relaxed atmosphere. Rent varies widely based on proximity to the water.

Commute Reality: Greenville is a car-dependent city. Public transit is not robust. Wherever you choose, factor in fuel costs and parking. A 15-minute commute is the norm.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Greenville is a smaller market, it offers clear paths for advancement if you’re strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, specializing pays. MAs with phlebotomy, EKG, or radiology (X-ray) certifications often earn $2-$4 more per hour. Certified Medical Assistants (CMA) also command higher pay than uncertified ones. Pursuing these certifications within 1-2 years of starting can boost your income significantly.
• Advancement Paths: The most common route is to move from a general Medical Assistant to a Lead MA or Clinic Supervisor. This often requires 5+ years of experience and strong organizational skills. Another path is to transition into a Medical Office Manager role, which may require an associate’s degree in healthcare administration. Some MAs use their experience as a springboard to nursing school (LPN or RN), which is a major salary jump in the region.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 15% job growth is solid. While not explosive, it means steady demand. The key will be adaptability. The healthcare system is moving toward value-based care and telemedicine. MAs who learn to manage patient portals, assist with remote monitoring, and handle administrative tasks in a digital environment will be the most resilient and valuable. Over a decade, an experienced, specialized MA in Greenville could see their salary move from the median $36,433 toward $45,000 or more, especially if they move into a leadership or specialty role.

The Verdict: Is Greenville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living (Index: 84.0). Your salary stretches far.	Limited Job Market (57 jobs in metro). Fewer openings mean longer searches.
Affordable Housing (Avg. 1BR Rent: $714). Homeownership is within reach.	Car Dependency. Public transit is not reliable; you need a car.
Stable, Predictable Demand. Core employers (DRMC) are established.	Lower Median Salary ($36,433) compared to national average.
Strong 10-Year Growth (15%). Future demand is secure.	Limited Specialization. Fewer niche medical fields compared to big cities.
Tight-Knit Community. Easy to build a professional network.	Can feel Isolated. Cultural and entertainment options are more limited.

Final Recommendation: Greenville is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who is financially focused and values stability. If your goal is to establish a solid career, save money, and potentially buy a home in the early years of your career, this is a fantastic place to do it. It’s less ideal for someone seeking a fast-paced, highly specialized clinical environment or a bustling urban lifestyle. For the right person—a planner who enjoys a slower pace and wants their paycheck to have real impact—Greenville offers a compelling and sustainable career launchpad.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to work as a Medical Assistant in Greenville, MS?
No, Mississippi does not have a state-level certification requirement. However, almost every competitive employer, especially hospitals like DRMC, will require or strongly prefer that you hold a national certification (CMA or RMA). It’s considered essential for employability.

2. Is it easy to find a job in Greenville with no experience?
It’s challenging but possible. The job market is small. Your best bet is to target entry-level roles in private clinics or nursing homes, where requirements may be more flexible. Completing a local externship during your training program is critical—it’s the most common way to gain experience and get your foot in the door.

3. How does the cost of living really compare?
The Cost of Living Index of 84.0 means you need about 16% less money to live the same lifestyle as the average American. A salary of $36,433 in Greenville provides a similar standard of living to a salary of about $43,000 in a city with a 100 index. This is the city’s biggest financial advantage.

4. What’s the typical schedule like?
It varies by setting. Hospital MAs (DRMC) often work 8-10 hour shifts, which can include evenings, weekends, and on-call duties, especially in the ER. Clinic-based MAs typically work Monday-Friday, 8-5, with occasional late hours. It’s important to clarify schedule expectations during the interview.

5. Are there opportunities for advancement without becoming a nurse?
Absolutely. You can advance by specializing (EKG tech, phlebotomist), pursuing certifications, and moving into leadership roles like Lead MA or Clinic Coordinator. With additional education, you can transition into healthcare administration, medical coding/billing, or practice management. These paths can lead to salaries well above the median for MAs.