Medical Assistant in High Point, NC

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

As a local who's watched the healthcare sector in the Piedmont Triad for years, I can tell you that Medical Assistant salaries in High Point show a nuanced picture. The city's cost of living is a significant advantage, but let's look at the numbers directly.

The median salary for a Medical Assistant in High Point is $37,431/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.0/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $38,270/year, but that gap is more than compensated for by the city's affordability. In the broader High Point metro area, there are approximately 232 Medical Assistant jobs available, and the profession is projected to grow by 15% over the next decade—a rate that outpaces many other healthcare support roles.

Here’s how earnings typically break down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Urgent care clinics, community health centers
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Private practices, specialty clinics, Baptist Medical Center
Senior/Lead MA (8+ years)	$42,000 - $48,000+	Hospital systems (Wesley Long), large multi-specialty groups
Expert/Certified (Specialty)	$45,000 - $52,000+	Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology practices

Compared to other North Carolina cities, High Point offers a strategic balance. You'll earn less than in Raleigh or Charlotte, where the national average is often exceeded, but your dollar stretches much further here. For instance, while a Medical Assistant in Charlotte might earn $39,500/year, their rent could be 30% higher. In High Point, the lower salary is offset by a greater share of disposable income.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base median of $37,431. Many employers in our area offer shift differentials for evenings, weekends, and on-call hours, which can add $1-$3 per hour. At major hospitals like Wesley Long, these differentials can bump a $18.0/hour base rate to over $20/hour for night shifts.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A Medical Assistant earning the median salary of $37,431/year takes home approximately $30,500/year after federal, state (NC has a flat 4.75% income tax), and FICA taxes. That’s about $2,542/month.

Now, factor in the local cost of living. The average 1-bedroom rent in High Point is $1,042/month, and the metro area's Cost of Living Index is 92.7 (US avg = 100). This means our MA's monthly take-home looks like this:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, No Dependents)

• Take-Home Pay: $2,542
• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,042
• Utilities & Internet: -$150
• Groceries: -$300
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in NC): -$350
• Health Insurance Premium (Employer-Sponsored): -$150
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Gas, Personal): -$250
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: $300

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but not impossible with careful planning. The median home price in the High Point metro area is roughly $240,000. With a $37,431 salary, a standard 30-year mortgage would require a significant down payment (20% = $48,000) to keep the monthly payment near $1,200, which would be 47% of the take-home pay—above the recommended 30% threshold. However, first-time homebuyer programs in North Carolina (like the NC Home Advantage Mortgage) can help. Many local MAs achieve this by combining incomes with a partner or after a few years of mid-level raises pushing their salary toward the $42,000 mark.

Insider Tip: Look for neighborhoods on the eastern side of High Point (near the Jamestown border) for slightly lower rents, often in the $900-$950 range for a 1BR, which frees up an extra $100-$150 monthly.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point's healthcare job market is anchored by the larger Triad network, but local employers offer stability. Here are the key players:

1. Wesley Long Hospital / Cone Health: Located just south of I-40 in the Hamilton Forest area, this is a major employer. They hire MAs for their emergency department, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices. Hiring trends show a steady need, especially for MAs with Epic EHR experience (the system used by Cone Health).

2. High Point Medical Center (part of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist): Situated off N. Main Street, this is a key community hospital. They often seek MAs for their primary care and orthopedic clinics. The Atrium network offers clear pathways for advancement into roles like Care Coordinator.

3. Novant Health: While their main campus is in Winston-Salem, Novant operates several primary and specialty care clinics throughout High Point, including in the Brentwood neighborhood. They are a growing presence and frequently post openings.

4. Private Primary Care & Specialty Practices: High Point has a thriving network of independent practices. Look for openings with groups like High Point Family Medicine or Cardiology Associates of the Triad. These often offer a more predictable schedule (M-F, 8-5) but may have smaller teams.

5. Urgent Care Chains: Networks like FastMed and Concentra have multiple locations in High Point (e.g., off Westchester Drive). These are excellent for entry-level MAs seeking fast-paced experience and variable shifts.

6. Community Health Centers: Triad Health Project (in downtown High Point) and Community Care Center (in nearby Thomasville) serve underserved populations and are vital employers. They often value community ties and offer mission-driven work.

Hiring Trend Insight: Post-pandemic, there's a noticeable shift toward MAs who can handle both clinical and administrative tasks proficiently. Proficiency with electronic health records (EHRs) and patient scheduling software is now a baseline expectation.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina has specific requirements for Medical Assistants, but it's a straightforward process. The state does not have a "Medical Assistant license" per se, but it regulates the use of specific titles and procedures.

• Key Requirement: To perform certain tasks like administering medications or performing venipuncture, you must be a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT). Do not assume you can perform these duties without certification.
• The Process:
  1. Graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant program (typically 9-12 months). Local options include Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) in Jamestown (just minutes from High Point) and Davidson-Davie Community College in Thomasville.
  2. Pass the national certification exam (CMA or RMA).
  3. Apply with the NC Board of Nursing or the NC Medical Board for specific certifications if needed (e.g., for IV therapy). Most employers, however, will hire you as a CMA/RMA.
• Timeline & Cost: A full program costs $5,000-$8,000. With financial aid, this can be reduced. The timeline is typically 1-1.5 years from start to certified employment. GTCC's program is highly regarded locally and has strong clinical placement ties with local hospitals.

Insider Tip: Many local employers will sponsor or reimburse tuition for certification exam fees if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years). Always ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Choosing where to live in High Point depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown High Point	Walkable, historic, vibrant arts scene. 5-10 min commute to most clinics.	$950 - $1,200	Those who want an urban feel, restaurants, and a short walk to work.
Brentwood / Jamestown	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Easy access to I-40 for hospital commutes.	$1,000 - $1,150	MAs working at Wesley Long or Novant clinics. A safe bet for a peaceful home base.
Oak Hollow / Lakeview	Near the airport and shopping. More suburban feel with good amenities.	$1,050 - $1,250	Those who value convenience to shopping (Palladium) and quick highway access.
Westchester / Emerywood	Established, quiet neighborhoods near the main hospital corridor.	$1,100 - $1,300	Professionals seeking a calm, established community feel.
Thomasville (10 min south)	A separate town but integrated into the job market. Lower cost of living.	$800 - $950	The budget-conscious who don't mind a short commute; home to many MAs working in High Point.

Insider Tip: Traffic in the Triad is manageable, but the I-40/I-85 interchange can get congested during rush hour. If you work at Wesley Long, living in Brentwood or Jamestown (west of the hospital) usually means a contre-flow commute, making your drive easier.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Medical Assistant role in High Point is a solid start, but the long-term growth requires strategic specialization and education.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties command higher pay. In High Point, cardiology and orthopedics are strong. An MA with a CMA certification and experience in ophthalmology or dermatology can see salaries reach the $42,000-$45,000 range faster. Specialty knowledge is a premium asset here.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead MA / Office Manager: With 5+ years of experience, you can move into supervisory roles, potentially earning $45,000+.
  • Clinical Roles: Some MAs transition to Phlebotomist, EKG Technician, or even RN (with further education). GTCC's RN bridge program is popular.
  • Administrative: Move into Medical Billing & Coding or Practice Administrator roles, which often have higher ceilings.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 15% projected job growth, demand will remain robust. However, the most significant salary jumps will come to MAs who either specialize in a growing field (like geriatrics for our aging population) or who pursue further education. In 10 years, an experienced, specialized MA in High Point could reasonably earn $50,000+, especially if they move into a lead or coordinator role.

Insider Tip: Join the North Carolina Society of Medical Assistants (NCSMA). The local chapter holds meetings in the Triad (often in Greensboro or Winston-Salem), which are invaluable for networking and learning about unadvertised job openings.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Significantly lower cost of living (Index 92.7) than national average.	Salaries are at or just below the national average ($37,431 vs. $38,270).
Stable job market with 232 jobs and 15% growth in the metro area.	Career advancement may require commuting to Winston-Salem or Greensboro for some specialties.
Short commutes within the city; easy access to Triad opportunities.	Nightlife and cultural amenities are more limited than in larger cities like Raleigh.
Strong community feel with a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles.	Homeownership requires careful budgeting on a single MA salary.
Proximity to major universities (GTCC, UNC Greensboro) for continuing education.	Public transportation is limited; a reliable car is a necessity.

Final Recommendation: High Point is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who values work-life balance and financial stability over the highest possible salary. It's ideal for those starting their careers, seeking a lower-stress environment, or looking to put down roots in a community with a reasonable cost of living. If you're ambitious about specializing and don't mind a 15-20 minute commute to Winston-Salem for the perfect role, the Triad network makes High Point a strategic home base.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to get a job as a Medical Assistant in High Point?
While some clinics may hire uncertified MAs for strictly administrative roles, most employers in High Point (especially hospitals and larger practices) require CMA or RMA certification to perform clinical tasks. Certification is strongly advised for better pay, job security, and career mobility.

2. How competitive is the job market for new MAs?
The market is competitive but growing. With 232 jobs in the metro and 15% growth, there is steady demand. New graduates from local programs like GTCC have an advantage due to established clinical partnerships. Your best bet is to apply during peak hiring seasons (spring and fall) and be willing to start in urgent care or community health to gain experience.

3. Is a car necessary in High Point?
Yes, absolutely. High Point is a car-centric city. While some areas like Downtown are walkable, most clinics are spread out, and public transit (HiTrans) is limited. For commuting to jobs in Winston-Salem or Greensboro, a personal vehicle is essential.

4. What's the best way to find a job here?
Use a multi-pronged approach: Check the career pages of major employers (Cone Health, Atrium Health, Novant Health), use local job boards like the Triad Business Journal listings, and network with instructors at GTCC. Many jobs are filled through local connections.

5. Can I live in Winston-Salem or Greensboro and commute to High Point?
Yes, many do. The commute is typically 15-25 minutes via I-40 or US-29/70. However, you'll face a higher cost of living in those cities. Sticking to High Point or Thomasville maximizes your budget, especially on a $37,431 salary.

Sources: Salaries and growth data are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the High Point-Greensboro-Winston-Salem metropolitan area, supplemented by local employer job postings. Cost of living and rent data are from Sperling's BestPlaces and local real estate market reports. Licensing information is from the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).