Medical Assistant in Jackson, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what matters when you're figuring out if you can afford to live here. For a Medical Assistant in Jackson, Wyoming, the median salary sits at $37,925/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $18.23/hour. Now, it's important to understand that "median" means half of the MAs in the area earn more than this, and half earn less. It's a solid baseline, but your actual earning power will depend heavily on experience, specialization, and the specific employer.

To give you a clearer picture of the progression, here’s a breakdown of what you might expect at different career stages in this market. This is based on local job postings, conversations with clinic administrators in Teton County, and regional salary adjustments.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Jackson, WY)	Key Factors Influencing Pay
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $37,000	Starting wages, certification status (CMA, RMA), no specialty experience.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$37,925 - $43,000	Median falls here. Specialties (like orthopedics or cardiology) start to command a premium.
Senior/Lead (8-15 years)	$43,000 - $48,000	Supervisory duties, training new staff, managing clinics or specific departments.
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$48,000+	Highly specialized roles (e.g., in a busy surgical center, dialysis, or with unique provider teams).

How does Jackson stack up against other cities in Wyoming? The national average for Medical Assistants is $38,270/year. Jackson sits just slightly below that, which is typical for a rural mountain town with a high cost of living. It's a common trade-off: you're paying a premium to live in a world-class outdoor destination. For comparison, in larger Wyoming hubs like Cheyenne or Casper, you might find salaries that are closer to or slightly above the national average, with a significantly lower cost of living. However, you wouldn't have access to the Teton Range from your front door.

Insider Tip: The jobs in metro area are listed at 21. That's not a typo. This is a hyper-competitive, small job market. You're not competing with hundreds of applicants from a sprawling metro area; you're competing with a very small pool of locals and transplants. Networking is everything. Knowing someone at St. John's Health or a local clinic can make all the difference.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The headline salary is only part of the story. Let's get brutally honest about what $37,925/year looks like in your bank account in Jackson, WY.

First, the take-home pay. After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and Wyoming's state income tax (which is a flat 4.95%), your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $2,500 - $2,600. (This is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for your exact situation.)

Now, the biggest expense: housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Jackson is $921/month. However, that "average" is a bit deceptive. It includes older apartments in towns like Kelly or Wilson. In the core of Jackson, a modern 1-bedroom can easily be $1,200 - $1,500/month. Let's use a conservative estimate of $1,000/month for a decent, older 1-bedroom within a 20-minute commute.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an MA earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Pay (After Taxes)	~$2,600	Starting point.
Rent (1BR)	$1,000	Conservative estimate for an older unit in Jackson or Wilson.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$150	Can be higher in winter for heating.
Groceries	$350	Jackson's grocery prices are ~15-20% above national average.
Gas/Transportation	$200	If you commute, gas is a major expense. Vehicle insurance in WY is also high.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$150	A significant cost if employer plan is subpar.
Personal/Discretionary	$250	For dining out, recreation, gear, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,100
Remaining / Savings	$500	For student loans, retirement, emergencies, or fun.

Can they afford to buy a home? Let's look at the real estate market. The median home price in Teton County is over $1.2 million. For a modest condo or townhome, you're looking at $500,000+. With a $500/month surplus (from the budget above), saving for a 20% down payment on a $500,000 home would take over 16 years—and that's assuming no other expenses or price increases. The verdict is clear: homeownership on a single MA salary in Jackson is virtually impossible without a significant partner's income or family money. The Cost of Living Index of 97.0 (US avg = 100) is misleading for housing; it's dragged down by other costs, but rent and property taxes are extreme.

Insider Tip: Many people in Jackson live in shared housing or "staff housing" provided by some employers, especially in hospitality. For a medical professional, this is rare, but it's the primary way people afford to live here. Your best bet for housing is to find a roommate.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

With only 21 jobs in the metro area, you need to know exactly where to look. The healthcare scene in Jackson is dominated by a few key players. Hiring trends are stable but competitive; positions open up due to retirement, relocation, or expansion of services, not massive growth.

1. St. John's Health: This is the largest employer and the heart of healthcare in Teton County. It's a 20-bed critical access hospital with a 24-hour ER, outpatient clinics, a cancer center, and a birthing center. Medical Assistants work in primary care, specialty clinics (orthopedics, cardiology, general surgery), and the hospital itself. Hiring Trend: They post jobs on their website and local boards. They value local candidates who understand the community. They often have a "float pool" for MAs to cover various departments.

2. Teton County Public Health: Located in Jackson, this department offers MAs roles in immunization clinics, maternal & child health, and community wellness programs. It's a great option if you're interested in public health rather than a private practice. Hiring Trend: Positions are often funded by grants, so they can be less stable but rewarding. Check their county website for openings.

3. Jackson Hole Medical Specialists: This is a large multi-specialty private practice managing several clinics in town (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN). They are a major employer for MAs in a traditional clinic setting. Hiring Trend: They grow as the population grows. They often hire directly and may use local staffing agencies.

4. Teton Orthopaedics & Spine: A specialty clinic that demands MAs with orthopedic experience. The pay here is often higher than the median due to the specialty. Hiring Trend: They need MAs who can handle bracing, casting, and pre/post-op care. Experience in orthopedics or a willingness to learn is key.

5. Wyoming Medical Center (Outpatient Clinics): While the main hospital is in Casper, they have a presence in Jackson through specialty referral clinics. These are often for cancer treatment or other complex care. Hiring Trend: These are niche roles. They might be part-time or require travel to other locations.

6. Local Dentists and Eye Care Clinics: Don't overlook dental practices (like Jackson Hole Dental) or optometry offices. They often hire MAs or Certified Dental Assistants. The skills are transferable, and the environment can be less stressful than a medical clinic.

Insider Tip: Many of these clinics don't advertise on national job boards. Check the "Careers" section of St. John's Health and Teton County websites directly. Also, the Jackson Hole News & Guide has a local classifieds section online that is a goldmine for small practices.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming makes it relatively straightforward to become a Medical Assistant, but you must follow the state's guidelines. It's not a "license" in the traditional sense like a nurse; it's about meeting educational and certification standards to work in a clinical setting.

1. Education: You need to graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant program. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are the gold standards. Many programs are online, but ensure they include a clinical externship.
2. Certification: While Wyoming doesn't have a state-specific MA license, employers almost universally require national certification. The two main ones are:
   • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This is the most recognized.
   • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technologists (AMT).
   • Cost: The exam fee is typically $120-$250, not including the cost of your education program (which can range from $3,000 to $15,000+ for a certificate or associate degree).
3. Background Check: You will need to pass a criminal background check for any hospital or clinic job. Wyoming uses a fingerprint-based check through the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the FBI. Expect to pay $45-$75 for this.
4. CPR/BLS Certification: You must have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers card from the American Heart Association or Red Cross. This is a one-day course, usually costing $50-$100.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're starting from scratch (no MA training), a certificate program can take 9-12 months. An associate degree takes 18-24 months.
• Once you graduate and have your certification in hand, the job search in Jackson can take 1-6 months due to the small market. Applying in the off-season (late spring/early fall) might be better than during peak tourist summer or winter seasons.

Insider Tip: Before you move, get your Wyoming nursing assistant registry if you have it, and contact the Wyoming Board of Nursing for any clarification. They are the regulatory body that oversees many allied health professions and can provide guidance.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Living where you work is key in Jackson. The commute can be brutal in winter, and gas is expensive. Here’s a breakdown of areas to consider, based on your lifestyle and budget.

1. Jackson Town (The "Town of Jackson"):

   • Vibe: The epicenter. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and St. John's Health. Can be noisy and crowded in summer.
   • Commute: 0-5 minutes to most clinics. Ideal for biking or walking in summer.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500/month for a 1BR. Older apartments and condos are common.
   • Best For: Those who want to be in the action and minimize commute.

2. East Jackson (Cache Creek, Rodeo Drive area):

   • Vibe: Quieter than downtown, more residential. Still close to amenities.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to town.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR. Some single-family homes are available for roommates.
   • Best For: A balance between quiet living and proximity.

3. Wilson (15-20 mins west of Jackson):

   • Vibe: Rural, family-oriented. Home to the popular "Aspen Mountain" area. Has its own small commercial strip.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes. The commute via Highway 22 can be congested during ski season (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM).
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,100/month. More space for the money, but fewer rental options.
   • Best For: Families or those who want a quieter, community feel and don't mind a commute.

4. Kelly (20-25 mins east of Jackson):

   • Vibe: Extremely rural, open ranchland. Very quiet and remote.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes. Straight shot on Highway 26/89, but no services.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month. Limited rentals; often you'll find a shared house or a small cottage.
   • Best For: Solitude seekers with a reliable vehicle. Not ideal if you don't like driving in winter conditions.

Insider Tip: Staff housing is the holy grail. While rare for MAs, some larger employers (like St. John's) have limited subsidized or managed housing for employees. Always ask about this during your interview. It's the single biggest financial advantage you can have in Jackson.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Jackson is a niche market. Career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder in a large hospital system; it's about deepening your expertise and building a reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: As noted, specialties like orthopedics, cardiology, and oncology pay above the median. A MA with a CMA credential and 2-3 years of orthopedic experience at Teton Orthopaedics could earn $42,000 - $46,000. The premium is real but limited by the size of the specialty practices.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Leadership: Become a Lead MA or Clinical Coordinator at a clinic. This involves supervising other MAs, managing schedules, and handling more complex administrative tasks. Pay can reach the $45,000+ range.
  • Nursing Bridge: Many MAs use their experience as a springboard to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). St. John's Health and Central Wyoming College (which has an RN program in Riverton, ~1.5 hours away) offer pathways. This is the most common and lucrative advancement.
  • Specialized Certifications: Pursue certifications in phlebotomy, EKG technology, or medical coding. These can make you more valuable within your current role or open doors to more specialized clinics.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 10-year job growth for MAs nationally is 15%, which is strong. In Jackson, growth will be tied to population and tourism. The number of jobs (21) is unlikely to explode, but turnover will create openings. The key to longevity in Jackson is versatility. The MA who can float between the ER, a primary care clinic, and a specialty office during peak season will be the most valued. Those who specialize and are willing to live with roommates or in alternative housing can build a stable, if not lavish, career.

Insider Tip: Attend events hosted by the Teton County Medical Society or St. John's Health fundraisers. These are networking goldmines. You'll meet clinic managers, providers, and other MAs in a social setting.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Jackson is a spectacularly beautiful but expensive and competitive place to live. Is it the right move for your career as a Medical Assistant? Here’s the final assessment.

Pros	Cons
Unmatched Natural Setting: Access to world-class skiing, hiking, and fishing is unparalleled.	Extremely High Cost of Living: Rent and housing dominate your budget.
Tight-Knit Community: You'll know your patients and colleagues; there's a strong sense of connection.	Very Small Job Market: Limited openings mean you must be patient and persistent.
High-Quality Healthcare Exposure: St. John's is a well-respected critical access hospital.	Salaries Lag Behind Cost of Living: $37,925 doesn't go far here.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Work-life balance can be achieved by integrating nature into your routine.	Seasonal Economic Swings: Tourism drives the economy, which can impact clinic volumes.
No State Income Tax on Social Security: (A minor but nice perk for retirees later).	Isolation & Harsh Winters: Far from major cities; winters are long, cold, and snowy.

Final Recommendation:
Consider moving to Jackson as a Medical Assistant ONLY IF:

1. You have 1-2 years of experience and a CMA/RMA certification already.
2. You are not planning to buy a home on your salary and are open to roommates.
3. Your primary goal is a lifestyle over financial accumulation for the first 5-10 years.
4. You are self-reliant, adaptable, and love the outdoors enough to endure the economic challenges.
5. You have a financial cushion to cover 3-6 months of living expenses while you search for a job.

If you're looking for