Medical Assistant in Jonesboro, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Jonesboro Stands

As a local who’s watched this town grow from a regional hub to a healthcare powerhouse, I can tell you the numbers for Medical Assistants (MAs) in Jonesboro tell a clear story. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Jonesboro is $36,628/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.61. To put that in context, the national average for MAs sits at $38,270/year. So, Jonesboro pays slightly below the national average, but that gap is more than closed by the city’s incredibly low cost of living.

Let’s break down what that salary looks like based on experience. These are typical ranges you’ll see posted for jobs in Craighead County and the surrounding area.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Jonesboro)	Notes
Entry-Level	$30,000 - $34,000	Recent graduates, less than 1 year of experience. Often start at NEA Baptist or St. Bernards.
Mid-Career	$35,000 - $40,000	2-5 years of experience, certified (CMA/RMA). This is where the median of $36,628 lands.
Senior/Lead MA	$40,000 - $45,000	5+ years, often with specialty experience (e.g., cardiology, orthopedics). May have lead responsibilities.
Expert/Specialty	$45,000+	10+ years, expertise in a high-demand niche, or a supervisor role. Very rare in Jonesboro but possible at major clinics.

How Does Jonesboro Compare to Other Arkansas Cities?
Jonesboro is a solid, stable market. It’s not the highest-paying city in the state—that title usually goes to Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville/Bentonville)—but it’s not the lowest either. Cities like Pine Bluff or Texarkana often see salaries closer to the $32,000-$34,000 range. The key advantage for Jonesboro? The cost of living index is 85.7, compared to the US average of 100. That means your $36,628 in Jonesboro goes significantly further than in a higher-paying city with a cost of living at or above 100.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Jonesboro employers, especially the larger health systems, offer competitive benefits packages. A good benefits package (health insurance, retirement match, PTO) can be worth an additional $5,000-$8,000 in total compensation. Always ask about the full package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $36,628 sounds manageable, but what does life actually look like month-to-month? We’ll use conservative estimates for taxes and the local average rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Medical Assistant in Jonesboro:

• Gross Monthly Income: $36,628 / 12 = $3,052
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~20-22% = -$610 to -$671
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$2,381/month

Now, let’s layer in the local cost of living.

Expense Category	Average Cost (Jonesboro)	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$767/month	This is the city-wide average. You can find cheaper in older areas or more expensive in new complexes.
Utilities	$150-$200/month	Includes electricity, water, sewer, trash. Internet is extra (~$60-$80).
Groceries	$300-$400/month	For one person. Jonesboro has competitive grocery prices (Walmart, Kroger, Harps).
Transportation	$150-$250/month	Car payment/insurance/gas. Public transit (JET) is limited; most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Healthcare (Out-of-Pocket)	$100-$200/month	Even with employer insurance, co-pays and deductibles add up.
Miscellaneous	$200-$300/month	Phone bill, streaming, personal care, occasional dining out.
Total Estimated Expenses	$1,667 - $2,117/month

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is a key question. With a take-home of ~$2,381/month, and estimated expenses of ~$1,900/month (mid-range), you’d have a surplus of ~$481/month. Over a year, that’s ~$5,772 for savings or debt repayment.

The median home price in Jonesboro is around $180,000 - $200,000. A 20% down payment would be $36,000 - $40,000, which would take most MAs 6-7 years of dedicated saving. However, many first-time homebuyer programs exist in Arkansas (like the Arkansas Dream Homeownership Program), which can lower the down payment requirement to 3.5% or less. With a good credit score and a stable job, buying a starter home (like a 2BR/1BA in the $140,000 range) is absolutely achievable within a few years, especially if you have a dual-income household or are willing to live a bit outside the core city.

Insider Tip: If you’re serious about homeownership, look at properties in the Jonesboro City School District (south and east of the main city) rather than the more expensive areas near the university. You get more house for your money, and the commute to major hospitals is still very manageable (15-20 minutes).

Where the Jobs Are: Jonesboro's Major Employers

Jonesboro’s economy is anchored by healthcare. With a metro population of 80,655 and 161 current MA jobs in the metro area (a strong number for a city this size), the opportunities are concentrated at a few major players. The 10-year job growth projection of 15% is solid, driven by an aging population and expansion of services.

Here are the employers you need to know:

1. NEA Baptist: The largest employer in the region. This is a massive, modern facility (part of the Baptist Health system) with a huge outpatient clinic network. They hire MAs for everything from primary care to specialties like oncology and cardiology. Hiring is frequent, and they have a well-structured career ladder. Insider Tip: They often post jobs on their internal board before external sites. If you know someone who works there, ask them to keep an eye out.

2. St. Bernards Healthcare: The other major system, with a long history in Jonesboro. They run the main hospital and numerous specialty clinics (orthopedics, neurology, women’s health). St. Bernards is known for a strong community focus. Their hiring process can be more traditional, so a well-crafted cover letter highlighting community involvement can help.

3. NEA Baptist Clinic & Jonesboro Medical Clinic: These are large, multi-specialty private practices. They offer a different pace than the hospital systems—often a more predictable 8-5 schedule with less after-hours work. They value experienced MAs who can manage front and back office duties.

4. Arkansas State University (ASU) Clinic: The university’s student health center. A great option if you prefer a "family practice" feel with a younger patient population. Hours often align with the academic calendar, which can be a pro or con depending on your lifestyle.

5. East Arkansas Family Health Center: A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the community’s underserved populations. Working here is incredibly rewarding and offers exposure to a wide range of conditions. They often have opportunities for bilingual MAs (Spanish/English).

6. Specialty Clinics (Dermatology, Orthopedics, etc.): Jonesboro has a growing number of independent specialty practices. These are often the best-paying jobs for experienced MAs, especially in high-demand fields like orthopedics (NEA Ortho, St. Bernards Ortho) or dermatology. The pay can be $3-$5/hour more than the median, but they expect deep specialty knowledge.

Hiring Trends: The demand is steady. New clinics are opening regularly (especially in the growing southern part of the city). There’s a slight preference for MAs with Certification (CMA from AAMA or RMA from AMT). While some jobs are open to on-the-job training, having your certification before you apply will put you at the top of the pile.

Getting Licensed in AR

Arkansas has a relatively straightforward process for Medical Assistants. The state does not have a mandatory state license for MAs, but employers almost universally require certification from a national accrediting body.

The Standard Path:

1. Education: Complete an accredited Medical Assistant program (typically 9-12 months). Local options include:

   • Arkansas State University-Newport (ASU-N): Offers a Certificate program. Very reputable, strong local connections.
   • Crowley’s Ridge College: Another local option with a good reputation.
   • Online/Hybrid Programs: Many national online schools are accepted, but ensure they are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

2. Certification Exam: After graduation, sit for a national certification exam. The two most recognized are:

   • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This is often the gold standard for hospitals and large systems.
   • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Also widely accepted.
   • Cost: The exam fee is typically $120-$150.

3. Additional Certifications (Highly Recommended):

   • Basic Life Support (BLS): Required by almost all employers. Cost: $50-$75 for a course.
   • Phlebotomy & EKG Certifications: Many programs include these, but if not, getting them separately makes you much more competitive, especially for hospital roles. Cost: $800-$1,500 for a standalone course.

Timeline: A full-time student can go from start to job-ready in about 12-14 months (9-month program + time to study for/pass the exam). Part-time students may take 18-24 months.

Insider Tip: Arkansas has a “Medical Assistant” scope of practice, but it’s important to know your limits. You are not a nurse. Understanding the exact tasks you are legally allowed to perform (e.g., administering injections, taking vitals, patient education) is critical. The Arkansas State Medical Board website is your resource for the latest regulations.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Your commute and lifestyle matter. Here are the top areas for MAs, balancing rent, commute, and vibe.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown/Near ASU	Walkable, historic, near restaurants/bars. 10-min drive to NEA Baptist/St. Bernards.	$700 - $900	Young professionals who want a social life and a short commute.
South Jonesboro	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-min drive to hospitals. Newer apartments & rentals.	$750 - $950	Those with families or who want more space/quiet. Growing fast.
West Jonesboro	Mix of older homes and new developments. 12-min drive to hospitals.	$650 - $800	Budget-conscious buyers/renters. Good value for money.
The Heights/North Jonesboro	Established, quiet, very residential. 10-min drive to hospitals.	$700 - $850	Those who want a peaceful, mature neighborhood feel.
Paragould (15 mins east)	Separate town, much lower rents. 20-25 min commute to Jonesboro hospitals.	$550 - $700	Those prioritizing maximum savings on rent, okay with a longer drive.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Jonesboro is minimal compared to larger cities. The only real congestion is around ASU on game days and on Highway 63 during rush hour. A 15-minute commute is standard for almost anywhere in the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Starting as an MA in Jonesboro is a stable entry point, but where can you go from here?

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, specialties pay more. An MA in cardiology or orthopedics can earn $39,000 - $42,000 at the mid-career level. Surgical techs (often a career path for MAs who get additional training) can earn $45,000+.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead MA/Clinic Supervisor: Takes on administrative duties, trains new staff. +$3,000-$5,000 to salary.
  2. Medical Office Manager: Requires additional education (Associate’s/Bachelor’s in healthcare admin). Can push salary to $50,000 - $60,000.
  3. Nursing Bridge: Many MAs in Jonesboro go back to school for an LPN or RN. This is a common and respected path. With an MA background, you can often test out of some courses. An RN in Jonesboro makes $55,000 - $70,000+.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 15% projected job growth, the demand for MAs will remain strong. However, the market may become more competitive as more programs graduate students. The key differentiator will be specialty experience and additional certifications. The rise of telehealth may also change the role, focusing more on remote patient monitoring and tech support.

The Verdict: Is Jonesboro Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living – Your salary stretches far.	Slightly Below-Average Pay – The median is lower than the national average.
Stable Job Market – 161 jobs and 15% growth.	Limited Public Transit – You will need a reliable car.
Major Employers – Two large hospital systems offer benefits and advancement.	Smaller City Vibe – Fewer nightlife/cultural options than Little Rock or NWA.
Easy Commutes – 10-20 minutes from anywhere.	Higher Demand for Certification – Less flexibility for non-certified MAs.
Community Feel – Friendly, manageable pace of life.	Weather – Hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms.

Final Recommendation:
Jonesboro is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant, especially at the entry to mid-career level. The combination of a stable job market, low cost of living, and manageable lifestyle is hard to beat. It’s ideal for someone who values financial stability (the ability to save or buy a home) over the hustle of a major metropolis. If you’re certified, willing to learn a specialty, and looking for a community where you can put down roots, Jonesboro deserves a serious look. If your primary goal is to earn the absolute highest salary possible, you might look toward Little Rock or Northwest Arkansas, but you’ll pay a significantly higher price for rent and daily life.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified to get a job as an MA in Jonesboro?
A: While not legally required, it is a de facto requirement. Over 90% of job postings at NEA Baptist and St. Bernards list CMA or RMA certification as a mandatory or highly preferred qualification. It’s worth the investment.

Q: What’s the job market like for new graduates with no experience?
A: It’s good, but competitive. New graduates should apply broadly—don’t just target the big hospitals. Look at private practices, FQHCs, and clinics in Paragould or Trumann. Be willing to start in a less-desired specialty (like primary care) to get your foot in the door. Your externship is critical—aim for a site with a strong hiring culture.

Q: Is it easy to find a part-time or weekend MA job?
A: Yes. Many outpatient clinics (like NEA Baptist’s weekend clinics) and hospital-based urgent cares offer per-diem or part-time shifts. This is a great way to gain experience or supplement income while in school.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to surrounding areas?
A: Jonesboro is the commercial and medical hub for a multi-county region. Living in a smaller town like Trumann or Monette can save on rent, but you’ll have a longer commute and fewer amenities. Living in Little Rock (1.5 hours away) costs about 15-20% more overall.

Q: Are there opportunities for MAs to work remotely?
A: Limited, but growing. Some roles in medical coding, billing, or patient scheduling may be remote. However, clinical MA roles (taking vitals