The Kenner, LA Career Guide for Medical Assistants

As a career analyst who’s spent years watching the healthcare job market from the ground up in Kenner, I can tell you this city operates on a different rhythm than the rest of New Orleans metro. It’s not the French Quarter or the Warehouse District; it’s where the medical industry has put down roots in the suburbs, and that creates a distinct set of opportunities for Medical Assistants (MAs). Kenner is a city of practicality—people who work here live here, and the healthcare system reflects that. It’s less about cutting-edge research and more about steady, essential care for a growing population of 63,339, plus the thousands who commute in.

This guide strips away the fluff. We’ll look at the hard numbers, the actual neighborhoods, and the real employers who write the paychecks. If you’re an MA thinking about making Kenner your base, this is your blueprint.

The Salary Picture: Where Kenner Stands

Let’s get right to it: Medical Assistants in Kenner earn slightly below the national average. The median salary is $37,248 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.91. For context, the national average is $38,270. This isn’t a red flag; it’s a reflection of Kenner’s cost of living. Your dollar stretches further here than it does in cities like Baton Rouge or even the New Orleans metro center. The 10-year job growth is 15%, which is robust and signals sustained demand, especially in a city with an aging population.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this market. Note that these are local estimates based on employer postings and BLS data trends for the region.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,500	$15.38 - $17.07
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$36,500 - $40,000	$17.55 - $19.23
Senior/Lead (8-12 years)	$40,500 - $44,000	$19.47 - $21.15
Expert/Supervisor (12+ years)	$44,500 - $48,000+	$21.39 - $23.08+

How does this stack up against other Louisiana cities? Kenner sits in a middle ground. It’s more affordable than New Orleans, where salaries are higher but rent can be double. Compared to Baton Rouge, Kenner MAs earn about 5-8% less, but the commute from Kenner to Baton Rouge for work is a non-starter for most. Lafayette’s market is similar to Kenner’s, with comparable pay and cost of living. The key takeaway is that Kenner’s value isn’t in maxing out your salary; it’s in the combination of a stable job and a manageable cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

That median salary of $37,248 translates to a monthly pre-tax income of about $3,104. After federal and state taxes (Louisiana has a progressive income tax), a single filer with no dependents might take home around $2,450 - $2,550 per month. This is a crucial number for your budget.

Kenner’s average 1BR rent is $865/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 91.1 (US average = 100). This means your housing and daily expenses are about 9% cheaper than the national average. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for an MA earning the median:

• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$2,500
• Rent (1BR in a decent area): $865
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 (Kenner is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-covered): $150
• Misc./Emergency Fund: $250
• Total Expenses: ~$2,165
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: ~$335

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a stretch on the median salary alone, but not impossible with careful planning. With a 335/month surplus, saving for a down payment (even a 3.5% FHA loan) would take several years. However, Kenner’s median home price is around $245,000 (more affordable than metro New Orleans). A dual-income household, or moving up to a senior MA role, makes homeownership very achievable. Many local MAs I’ve spoken with prioritize renting for the first 2-3 years to establish themselves before buying.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenner's Major Employers

Kenner’s healthcare scene is dominated by a few key players. There are 126 MA jobs in the metro area, and the vast majority are with these employers. Hiring trends show a strong preference for candidates with BLS (Basic Life Support) certification and some experience with EHR systems like Epic or Cerner.

1. East Jefferson General Hospital (Ochsner Health): The 800-lb gorilla. This is a 420-bed teaching hospital in the heart of Kenner. They hire MAs for everything from the ER and same-day surgery to specialty clinics (cardiology, oncology). They are the largest employer and have the most consistent openings. Insider Tip: Ochsner uses a centralized hiring system. Apply directly on their website, not through third-party sites, for the fastest response.
2. St. Charles Hospital (LCMC Health): Located just across the Jefferson Parish line in Luling, but it's a major employer for Kenner residents. It’s a community hospital with a strong outpatient focus. Great for MAs who prefer a slightly smaller, less hectic environment than EJGH.
3. Ochsner Health Network (Primary Care Clinics): Ochsner has a sprawling network of primary care and specialty clinics throughout Kenner (e.g., on Williams Blvd, Veterans Blvd). These are often the best bet for entry-level MAs, offering a 9-5 schedule and a clear path to specialization.
4. Center for Women’s Health (Various Locations): Kenner has a high concentration of OB/GYN and women’s health practices. These clinics are steady employers and often look for MAs with specific experience in prenatal care and gynecology.
5. DaVita Kenner Dialysis: For MAs interested in nephrology, this is a key employer. It offers specialized training and can be a stepping stone to higher-paying roles in dialysis management.
6. Local Urgent Care Chains: Companies like Exercential Immediate Care and GoHealth Urgent Care have locations in Kenner. They offer variable schedules (great for second jobs) and fast-paced environments that build skills quickly.

Getting Licensed in LA

Louisiana does not have a state-specific license for Medical Assistants, which simplifies the process. However, employers overwhelmingly require national certification. Here’s the standard path:

1. Education: Complete an accredited Medical Assistant program (typically 9-12 months). Local options include Delgado Community College (in New Orleans, but a common choice for Kenner residents) and Unitech Training Academy (with a campus in Metairie). Cost ranges from $4,000 to $12,000.
2. Certification: Pass a national exam. The two main ones are the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) from the NHA or the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) from the AAMA. Most employers in Kenner accept either.
3. BLS Certification: This is non-negotiable. You must have a current BLS (CPR/AED) card from the American Heart Association. Most programs include this, but you can get it separately for about $75-$100.
4. Background Check: Expect a thorough background check, including drug screening, especially for hospital jobs. The cost is usually covered by the employer upon a conditional offer.

Timeline: From enrollment to your first job, expect 4-6 months if you’re going through a full-time program, or up to 12 months if you start with a longer certification track.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Kenner impacts your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Williams Blvd Corridor	The commercial spine. 5-10 min to EJGH, tons of restaurants/shops. Can be noisy.	$900 - $1,100	Those who want to be in the center of it all, minimal commute.
Old Kenner	Historic, quiet, tree-lined streets. 10-15 min to hospitals. More residential feel.	$800 - $950	MAs seeking a quieter, established community feel.
Rivertown	Near the river, older homes, charming but can be prone to flooding. 15 min to hospitals.	$750 - $900	Budget-conscious, those who don’t mind a longer but scenic commute.
Lakewood	Near the golf course, newer apartments, family-oriented. 10-12 min to hospitals.	$950 - $1,150	MAs with families or those wanting more modern amenities.
Airline Hwy Area	Practical, affordable, with quick access to I-10 for commutes to Metairie or NOLA. 12-15 min to hospitals.	$700 - $850	The ultimate budget choice, perfect for saving money.

Insider Tip: The traffic pattern is crucial. The morning rush is on I-10 westbound (towards Kenner from NOLA) and eastbound on Williams Blvd. If you work at EJGH, living south of I-10 in Old Kenner or Lakewood can sometimes be a faster commute than living further north.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 15% is your runway. In Kenner, growth comes from specialization and advancement, not just jumping to a new city.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving into high-demand specialties can bump your pay by $2-$4/hour. The biggest premiums in Kenner are for ophthalmology, cardiology, and orthopedics. These are often located in private practices affiliated with Ochsner. To get these roles, you often need 2+ years of general experience.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead MA: Managing inventory, training new hires, and handling more complex patient interactions. Usually a $2-$3/hour raise.
  2. Clinical Coordinator: An administrative-clinical hybrid role. Requires strong organizational skills and EHR proficiency.
  3. Phlebotomy/EKG Specialization: Getting additional certifications can make you indispensable in outpatient labs and cardiology clinics.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core of your career will likely be with the Ochsner or LCMC systems. The key to growth is to become known as reliable, tech-savvy, and a good communicator. Many MAs in Kenner transition into roles like Practice Manager or Healthcare Administration (often requiring an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree) after 5-7 years on the floor.

The Verdict: Is Kenner Right for You?

Kenner is a pragmatic choice. It won’t give you the nightlife of New Orleans or the tech scene of Austin, but it will give you a stable job, a lower cost of living, and a community where you can build a life.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living (91.1 index)	Less Cultural Diversity/Activity than New Orleans
Stable, Growing Job Market (15% growth)	Car-Dependent city; limited public transit
Predictable Commutes (within Kenner)	Salary Below National Average (but offset by costs)
Major Employers (Ochsner, LCMC) offer benefits	Limited Higher Education options (commute to NOLA for degrees)
Family-Friendly Suburban Environment	Weather (Hot, humid summers; hurricane risk)

Final Recommendation: Kenner is an excellent choice for Medical Assistants who are early in their careers (0-5 years), value stability, and want to maximize their quality of life on a median salary. It’s ideal for those who don’t need a big city vibe and are focused on building experience with reputable healthcare systems. If you’re a specialized MA with 10+ years of experience seeking top-tier pay, you may find more opportunity in larger markets, but you’ll pay for it in rent and lifestyle costs.

FAQs

Q: Do I need experience to get hired at East Jefferson General?
A: While entry-level jobs exist, they are competitive. Having your certification, BLS, and even 6 months of experience (from a student externship or a lower-pressure job like an urgent care) will put you ahead of the curve.

Q: What’s the hurricane season impact on healthcare jobs here?
A: It’s a reality. Hospitals have robust emergency protocols. While the city can be impacted, healthcare jobs are among the most resilient. Ochsner and LCMC have systems for staff support. It’s a factor to consider, but not a deal-breaker for employment.

Q: Is it worth commuting to New Orleans for a higher salary?
A: Possibly, but crunch the numbers. A MA in New Orleans might earn $2-4 more per hour, but the commute from Kenner on I-10 can be brutal (45+ minutes each way), and parking in NOLA is expensive and scarce. After gas, parking, and time, the net gain might be minimal for a single person. For a two-income household, it can be worthwhile.

Q: How do I stand out in the Kenner job market?
A: EHR proficiency is king. Specifically, mention your experience with Epic or Cerner on your resume. Highlight any specialty experience (dermatology, podiatry, etc.). Also, the local healthcare community is small—networking at events or through LinkedIn with Kenner-based MAs can uncover unposted jobs.

Q: What’s the long-term viability for a career in Kenner?
A: Very strong. With the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation and Kenner’s growing suburban population, the demand for primary and specialty care is only increasing. The 15% growth is a solid indicator. For a career that spans 20+ years, Kenner offers a path to stability, especially if you’re open to specializing or moving into leadership within the Ochsner or LCMC networks.