Medical Assistant in Jamestown, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Jamestown Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the economy here is built on healthcare, agriculture, and education. For a Medical Assistant (MA), that means a stable, if not booming, job market. The data confirms what I’ve seen anecdotally: positions are available, but the pay reflects our lower cost of living.

The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Jamestown is $37,466/year. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to $18.01/hour. It’s important to put this in perspective. Nationally, the average for an MA is $38,270/year. Jamestown sits just a hair below the national average, but our cost of living index (93.0) is 7% lower than the US average (100), which balances out. In practical terms, your dollar goes further here than it does in most places.

The job market is modest but consistent. The Jamestown metro area has approximately 31 jobs for MAs listed at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 15%, which is solid and indicates a steady demand for skilled support staff in our medical facilities. This isn’t a place for rapid, high-turnover job hopping; it’s for building a career.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in our region. These are typical ranges based on local job postings and conversations with clinic managers.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Jamestown, ND)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	Often starts in larger clinics or hospital departments. Focus on mastering vitals, phlebotomy, and EHR systems.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$37,000 - $40,000	This is near the median. You'll have more autonomy, possibly training new hires, and handling more complex procedures.
Senior (6-9 years)	$40,000 - $44,000	Often leads a team, manages inventory, or specializes in a high-demand area like podiatry or orthopedics.
Expert (10+ years)	$44,000 - $48,000+	Typically a clinical lead, educator, or specialist. May move into a hybrid MA-administrator role.

How does this compare to other ND cities?

• Fargo/Grand Forks: Salaries are generally 5-10% higher (closer to the national average of $38,270/year), but rent and cost of living are significantly steeper. The commute from a smaller town like Jamestown isn’t practical.
• Bismarck: Similar to Jamestown, with a slightly higher ceiling due to the state government and larger hospital systems. However, the job market is more competitive.
• Minot & Williston: Oil boom cycles can inflate wages temporarily, but they’re also more volatile. Jamestown offers more stability.

Insider Tip: The highest wages in Jamestown are typically found at Sanford Health and the Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) specialty clinics. Private practices often offer slightly lower base pay but may have better work-life balance (e.g., no weekend shifts).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. An MA earning the median $37,466/year takes home roughly $2,300 - $2,400 per month after federal taxes, North Dakota state taxes (which are relatively low), and FICA. This assumes a single filer with no dependents.

Our average 1-bedroom rent is $837/month. That’s a key number.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single MA living in Jamestown:

Monthly Budget: Single MA Earning $37,466/year (~$2,350 after tax)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR avg)	$837	This is the median. You can find places for $700 or over $1,000.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Winters are cold; heating costs are real.
Groceries	$350	Cooking at home is key. Aldi and the local Super Valu help keep costs down.
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maint.)	$250	Car is a must in Jamestown. No real public transit to speak of.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$150	Many employers offer good plans, but this is a variable.
Student Loans/Other Debt	$200	Varies widely.
Personal & Discretionary	$363	Eating out, entertainment, clothes, etc.
SAVINGS	$0	This is the critical point. After essentials, there is very little left.

Can they afford to buy a home?
It’s challenging but not impossible, especially with two incomes or after a few years of experience and wage growth. The median home price in Jamestown is around $150,000 - $170,000. A 20% down payment is $30,000 - $34,000. On a single MA salary, saving that amount would take years of extreme frugality. However, many locals use USDA Rural Development loans (0% down) or FHA loans (3.5% down), making homeownership more accessible. The key is building equity through consistent payments rather than expecting quick appreciation.

Where the Jobs Are: Jamestown's Major Employers

Jamestown has a tight-knit medical community. Most MA jobs are with one of these key employers:

1. Sanford Health Jamestown Clinic: The largest player. They have a primary care clinic, a separate Women’s & Children’s clinic, and a growing specialty department (often orthopedics or cardiology). Hiring trends are steady; they often post jobs internally first. Insider Tip: Getting your foot in the door here is the gold standard for resume building in the region.
2. Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC): The community hospital. They run the ER, inpatient beds, and specialty clinics (like oncology and surgery). They are a major employer of MAs for clinic and hospital-based roles. They tend to value local candidates who are committed to the community.
3. Stutsman County Health Department: A smaller employer, but they sometimes need MAs for public health programs, immunizations, and administrative support. Less clinical, but a stable government job.
4. Private Specialty Practices: Look for local podiatry (Dr. Rambow), optometry, and dental offices. They often hire one or two MAs. The pace can be slower, and you may get to know patients over a long period.
5. Long-Term Care Facilities: Benedictine Living Community and Ave Maria Village sometimes have openings for MAs in their on-site clinics or for assisting nurses. It’s a different side of healthcare, focused on geriatrics.
6. University of Jamestown Health Sciences: While not a direct employer for clinical MA work, the university’s nursing and pre-med programs sometimes have connections or part-time positions for experienced MAs to assist in labs or administrative roles.

Hiring is not frantic; there are about 31 openings at any time, as noted. Most hiring happens in late spring/summer as clinics prepare for the fall, and again in early winter. Networking at local events or through the NDMA (North Dakota Medical Association) can be more effective than cold-applying online.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has a clear path for Medical Assistants. It’s not a licensed state, but it has a structured certification process.

1. Education & Training: You must complete an accredited Medical Assistant program. In Jamestown, the primary option is the program at Jamestown College (now University of Jamestown). It’s a 1-year diploma or 2-year associate degree. Other accredited online programs are accepted, but ensure they have a clinical externship component.

• Cost: $5,000 - $15,000 depending on the program length and school.

2. National Certification: After graduation, you must earn a national certification from one of these two bodies:

• AAMA (Certified Medical Assistant - CMA): The gold standard. Requires passing the CMA exam. Exam fee: ~$250.
• NHA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant - CCMA): Also widely accepted. Exam fee: ~$150.

3. State Registration: North Dakota requires all MAs to be registered with the North Dakota Board of Medicine. You apply with proof of your accredited education and national certification.

• Registration Fee: $125 (initial application).
• Renewal: Every two years, with continuing education requirements (24 hours). Fee: $75.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Program Application to Enrollment: 1-3 months.
• Program Completion: 1-2 years.
• Study for & Pass Certification Exam: 1-3 months after graduation.
• ND Board Registration: 2-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
• Total Estimated Time: 18 months to 2.5 years from starting school to being fully registered and job-ready.

Insider Tip: Start your job search before you finish your externship. Clinics often hire directly from local program externships. The University of Jamestown program has a high local placement rate.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Living in Jamestown is about balancing commute, amenities, and cost. The town is small, so "neighborhoods" are more like zones.

1. East Side (Near JRMC & Sanford Clinic):

   • Commute: Under 5 minutes. You could bike or walk in good weather.
   • Vibe: Established, quiet residential. Lots of older, well-kept homes and some apartments.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR. Slightly higher due to proximity.
   • Best For: The ultimate convenience. You’re minutes from work and close to grocery stores.

2. West Side (Towards the University & Downtown):

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes. Easy drive.
   • Vibe: Mix of student housing, historic homes, and newer apartments. Closer to coffee shops, restaurants, and the university vibe.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $900 for a 1BR. You can find deals here.
   • Best For: Someone who wants a bit more social life and walkability to downtown spots.

3. North & South Sides (Residential Districts):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes. You’ll definitely need a car.
   • Vibe: Classic, family-oriented suburbs. Safe, quiet, and more affordable.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $800 for a 1BR. The best value for space.
   • Best For: MAs who want more space, a quieter environment, and don’t mind a short commute.

4. The "Near-Town" Rents (10-15 min outside):

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes.
   • Vibe: More rural, with country living. You might find a small house or apartment in a small satellite town like Buchanan or Spiritwood.
   • Rent Estimate: $600 - $750 for a house or larger apartment.
   • Best For: Those who want lower rent and don’t mind driving. It’s a trade-off between time and money.

Insider Tip: The rental market moves quickly. Start looking 2-3 months before your move date. Use Facebook Marketplace and local realtors; online listings can be outdated.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Jamestown, career advancement for MAs is more about deepening expertise than rapid title changes.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties can earn $2,000 - $5,000 more per year. The top specialties here are:

  • Orthopedics: Sanford and JRMC both have growing departments. Requires knowledge of casts, braces, and pre/post-op care.
  • Podiatry: A private practice staple. Steady, no weekends.
  • Cardiology: Involves more complex patient prep and EKGs.
  • Oncology: JRMC’s infusion center requires MAs with emotional resilience and phlebotomy expertise.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Clinical Lead: You’re the go-to person for the MA team in a department. Minor pay bump, more responsibility.
  2. Phlebotomy Supervisor: If you work at Sanford or JRMC lab, you could oversee the phlebotomy team.
  3. Administrative Medical Assistant: Move to scheduling, coding, or billing. Less patient care, more desk work.
  4. Continuing Education: Many MAs become Registered Nurses (RN) through bridge programs. Jamestown College has a BSN program. This is the most common and lucrative advancement.
  5. Medical Office Manager: With experience and additional coursework (e.g., a business certificate), you can run the front and back office.

10-Year Outlook (15% Growth):
The 15% job growth predicts an increase from ~31 to ~35-36 positions over a decade. This isn't explosive, but it's stable. The demand will be for MAs who are cross-trained (e.g., MA who can also do ultrasound prep or minor in-house lab work). Technology is key—EHR proficiency (especially Epic, which Sanford uses) is non-negotiable. The aging population of North Dakota will also drive steady demand for primary and specialty care.

The Verdict: Is Jamestown Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $37,466 salary goes much further here than in a metro area.	Limited Job Market: Only ~31 jobs. A layoff could mean a long search or relocation.
Stable, Community-Focused Employers: Sanford and JRMC are pillars of the community.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Top pay is around $48k. You won’t get rich as an MA here.
Easy Commute & No Traffic: You’ll save hours of your life each week.	Limited Cultural/Entertainment Scene: It’s a quiet town. For big concerts or pro sports, you’re driving to Fargo.
Friendly, Tight-Knit Community: It’s easy to know your neighbors and coworkers.	Harsh Winters: The snow and cold from November to April are real. You need a reliable car and winter gear.
Clear Path to Homeownership: With low rent, saving for a down payment is more feasible.	Social Life Can Be Limited: A smaller dating pool and social circle for young professionals.

Final Recommendation:
Jamestown is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who values stability, community, and financial simplicity over high-octane career climbing. It’s perfect if you’re starting out, want to buy a home in the next 5-7 years, or are looking for a quieter pace of life. It’s a terrible fit if your primary goal is to maximize your salary in the shortest time or if you need a bustling, diverse urban environment.

If you’re a practical, self-reliant person who doesn’t mind a four-season climate and wants a job where you can truly make a difference in your patients’ lives, Jamestown offers a rewarding and sustainable career path.

FAQs

1. Can I live and work in Jamestown without a car?
Realistically, no. The town is spread out, public transit is minimal (a small bus service with limited routes), and winters are brutal. A reliable car with all-wheel drive is a necessity for year-round employment.

2. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible scheduling?
Yes, but they are competitive. Private practices (podiatry, dental) are more likely to offer or accommodate part-time hours. Larger systems like Sanford and JRMC are often full-time with set schedules, though some weekend or evening clinic shifts exist.

3. How do the winters affect the work environment?
Clinics and hospitals are always open, so you’ll be expected to get to work safely. This means a good snow brush, starter fluid, and a block heater for your car are essential. Your employer will understand weather delays, but consistent tardiness isn’t tolerated. The upside? You learn to be prepared and resilient.

4. Is the "small-town gossip" a real thing in healthcare here?
It can be. The medical community is small, and people know each other professionally and personally. Maintain a high standard of professionalism and discretion. Your reputation travels fast, for better or worse. It’s also a fantastic network if you’re respectful and hardworking.

5. I’m an MA moving with a family. Is Jamestown a good fit?
It can be an excellent choice. The cost of living allows a single-income family to live comfortably, whereas in a city, two incomes might be necessary. There are good public schools, plenty of parks, and a safe community for kids. The main consideration is the limited minority community and cultural activities, which some families may miss.