The Medical Assistant's Guide to Quincy, MA: A Data-Driven Career Analysis

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the healthcare job market in Greater Boston, I’ve seen Quincy transform from a quiet South Shore suburb into a dynamic healthcare hub. For Medical Assistants (MAs), this means opportunity—but it’s competitive, and the cost of living is a real factor. This guide cuts through the fluff. We’ll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the day-to-day reality of working in Quincy’s clinics and hospitals.

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

Let’s start with the most critical question: What can you expect to earn? The data shows that Quincy is a solid, if not spectacular, market for MAs. It pays slightly above the national average but lags behind some of the more affluent suburbs closer to Boston.

In the Quincy metro area (which includes Braintree, Weymouth, and nearby towns), the median salary for a Medical Assistant is $39,601 per year, or $19.04 per hour. This is a step up from the national average of $38,270/year, but it's important to understand the context. The Boston metro area’s overall high cost of living inflates these figures compared to other parts of the country, but within Massachusetts, Quincy sits in a middle tier.

The job market is active. The metro area currently supports 203 jobs for Medical Assistants, with a projected 10-year job growth of 15%. This growth is driven by an aging population on the South Shore and the expansion of outpatient care, which relies heavily on MAs.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Quincy increases predictably with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and industry data:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Quincy Metro)
Entry-Level	0-2 Years	$33,000 - $37,000
Mid-Level	3-5 Years	$38,000 - $44,000
Senior	6-10 Years	$45,000 - $52,000
Expert/Lead	10+ Years	$52,000 - $60,000+

Note: These are base salary ranges. Bonuses, differentials for evening/weekend shifts, and specialized certifications can push you higher.

Comparison to Other MA Cities

Quincy’s salary is competitive with other mid-sized cities in the state but trails the premium paid in Boston’s core.

City	Median MA Salary	Notes
Boston	$42,500	Higher demand, but extreme competition and cost of living.
Quincy	$39,601	Strong local market, better work-life balance than downtown.
Worcester	$38,800	Similar cost of living, but a more centralized healthcare system.
Springfield	$37,500	Lower cost of living, but salaries reflect that.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the headline number. Quincy MAs often have better access to benefits (like tuition reimbursement) at large hospital systems like South Shore Health, which can be more valuable than a slightly higher base salary in a less stable workplace.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $39,601 annual salary sounds manageable until you factor in Massachusetts taxes and the local housing market. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single MA living in Quincy.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,300
• Estimated Deductions (Federal Tax, FICA, State Tax, Health Insurance): ~25% = $825
• Take-Home Pay: ~$2,475/month
• Average 1BR Rent in Quincy: $2,377/month (from city data)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent: $2,377
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150
• Groceries: $350
• Transportation (MBTA Commuter Rail Pass, Gas): $120
• Student Loan/Debt: $150
• Personal/Savings: $328
• Total: $2,475

The Math: The numbers are tight. With rent at $2,377, your take-home pay of $2,475 leaves only about $100 for everything else after core expenses. This is not sustainable. Most MAs in Quincy either:

1. Live with a roommate (cutting rent to ~$1,200).
2. Live further out (in Weymouth or Braintree) and commute.
3. Work overtime or extra shifts to boost income.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On a $39,601 salary, buying a home in Quincy is a major challenge. The median home price in Quincy is over $600,000. A 20% down payment would be $120,000, and monthly mortgage payments (with taxes and insurance) would exceed $3,500—well over your take-home pay. For most MAs, homeownership in Quincy is a long-term goal that requires dual income, significant savings, or a move to a more affordable town on the South Shore.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few major players. Knowing who they are and what they offer is key to your job search.

1. South Shore Health (South Shore Hospital): The biggest employer in the area. They have a massive outpatient network (Shore Health) and a main hospital campus in Weymouth (just minutes from Quincy). They hire MAs for primary care, specialty clinics (cardiology, oncology), and the emergency department. Hiring trends show a strong preference for candidates already certified and experienced with Epic, their electronic health record system.

2. Boston Medical Center (BMC) - Quincy: BMC has a growing primary care and specialty clinic in Quincy Center. It’s a great entry point into a renowned Boston-based system without the downtown commute. They often post jobs for MAs in family medicine and pediatrics.

3. Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) - Quincy: Another top-tier Boston system with a presence in Quincy. Their Quincy campus focuses on orthopedics and women’s health. Working here offers a direct path to Boston-based training and advancement.

4. Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (Quincy): Part of the Atrius Health network, this is a large, multi-specialty community practice. They are a steady employer for MAs in ambulatory care. The work environment is team-based and organized, but the pace can be fast.

5. Tufts Medical Center (Quincy): Offers primary care and select specialties in the city. A good option for those interested in a teaching hospital environment. Tufts often has openings for MAs in their pediatric and internal medicine clinics.

6. Local FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center): Look for South Cove Community Health Center (which has a location in nearby Weymouth). These centers serve underserved populations and are always hiring. They offer strong mission-driven work and often provide excellent benefits and training.

Insider Tip: Don’t ignore private practices. Many long-standing cardiology, dermatology, and orthopedic groups in Quincy (like those near the Marina Bay area) hire MAs directly. They may not be on big job boards, so check local medical society listings and network on LinkedIn.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a straightforward process for Medical Assistants, but it’s not as formalized as in some other states.

1. Certification (Recommended): While MA doesn’t require state licensure, employers overwhelmingly prefer candidates with national certification. The two main ones are:

   • CMA (AAMA): Certified Medical Assistant (certifying board: AAMA)
   • RMA (AMT): Registered Medical Assistant (certifying board: AMT)
   • Cost: Exam fees range from $120-$180. Review courses can add $200-$500.
   • Timeline: If you graduate from an accredited program, you can sit for the exam immediately. You can start applying for jobs while you wait for exam results.

2. Education: A postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is the standard. In Quincy, Quincy College offers a highly regarded, affordable certificate program. It’s a local favorite for a reason.

3. BLS/CPR Certification: This is a non-negotiable requirement. A standard BLS for Healthcare Providers course (from the American Heart Association) costs about $75-$100 and takes one day.

Total Start-Up Cost (if starting from scratch): $1,000 - $2,500 (program tuition, exam fees, BLS).
Total Time to Get Started: 9-12 months for a certificate program, followed by immediate job eligibility.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Quincy will drastically affect your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the most practical neighborhoods for an MA.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Quincy Center	Urban, walkable. Close to T (Red Line) and hospitals. Can be noisy.	$2,300	Those who want a short commute and don’t need a car.
North Quincy	Residential, quieter. Excellent Red Line access (North Quincy station).	$2,200	A great balance of access and peace. Good for commuters to Boston.
Wollaston	Suburban, family-friendly. Close to beaches and parks. Commuter Rail or bus.	$2,100	Those with a car who want more space and a quieter setting.
Murray Hill / Quincy Point	More affordable, slightly older housing stock. Close to South Shore Health.	$1,900	Budget-conscious MAs, especially those working at the hospital.
Marina Bay	Upscale waterfront living. More condos, higher rents. Commuter Rail.	$2,500+	MAs with a higher household income or those willing to have roommates.

Insider Tip: If you work at South Shore Health in Weymouth, consider living in Quincy Point or Murray Hill. The commute is a straight shot down Route 18 or through the Hingham tunnels (during off-peak hours, it’s 15 minutes).

The Long Game: Career Growth

An MA role in Quincy is a fantastic launchpad. Here’s how to think about advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs who specialize in high-demand areas can command higher salaries. In Quincy, see dermatology and cardiology. An MA with a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) credential is also highly sought after for lab draw roles, which can pay $42,000-$48,000.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Lead MA: Supervises a team in a clinic. Requires 5+ years of experience.
  2. Program Coordinator: Manages patient flow, scheduling, and supplies. Often requires an associate’s degree.
  3. Transition to Nursing: Many MAs in Quincy use their experience and employer tuition assistance to become LPNs or RNs. South Shore Health and BMC have robust tuition reimbursement programs.
  4. Administrative Roles: Moving to practice management or medical coding with additional certifications (CPC, RHIA).
• 10-Year Outlook: With 15% projected growth, the demand for skilled MAs will remain strong. However, automation in scheduling and basic triage may shift the MA role toward more complex patient interaction and technical skills (like point-of-care testing). The key to staying relevant is continuous learning and obtaining specialty certifications.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market with 15% growth and 203 jobs in the metro.	High Cost of Living—rent consumes most of a $39,601 salary.
Access to Top-Tier Employers (South Shore Health, BMC, Brigham’s).	Commuter Challenges—traffic to Boston can be brutal; public transit is limited.
Above-National-Average Salary ($39,601 vs. $38,270 national).	Competitive Job Market—you need certification and a strong resume.
Excellent Networking—small enough to build connections, big enough for opportunities.	Limited Affordable Housing—living alone on a single MA salary is very difficult.
Great Lifestyle—beaches, parks, and a strong community feel.	Weather—New England winters are long and can be tough on a budget.

Final Recommendation:
Quincy is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who is certified, has 1-3 years of experience, and is willing to start with a roommate or a tight budget. It’s not the best city for a brand-new, entry-level MA without financial support, as the cost of living is punishing. However, for an MA looking to build a career in a stable, growing market with a path to advancement and higher salaries, Quincy offers a compelling package. The key is to view the $39,601 not as a final destination, but as a starting point. With the right employer (like South Shore Health or BMC) and a plan for specialization or further education, Quincy can be a fantastic place to build a fulfilling healthcare career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified to get a job in Quincy?
A: While not legally required, yes, in practice. Over 95% of job postings from major employers like South Shore Health and BMC list certification (CMA or RMA) as a requirement. It’s the standard for a reason—it shows competency and dedication.

Q: Is the commute from Quincy to Boston hospitals worth it?
A: For a $42,500 Boston salary? Maybe. For a $39,601 Quincy salary? Probably not. The commute on the Red Line to downtown Boston takes about 30-45 minutes, but driving can take over an hour with traffic. Factor in $220/month for a monthly LinkPass and the mental toll of the commute. Often, the higher Boston salary is offset by higher rent and longer travel time.

Q: What’s the fastest way to increase my salary as an MA in Quincy?
A: Specialize and certify. Get your Phlebotomy (CPT) or EKG technician certification. Then, change jobs. The fastest salary jumps come from moving between employers, not waiting for internal raises. After 2 years, use your experience to negotiate a $42,000-$45,000 offer at a new clinic or hospital.

Q: Are there evening or weekend shifts available?
A: Absolutely. Most major hospitals and large clinics in Quincy have extended hours or 24/7 operations (like the South Shore Health ED). These shifts often come with a differential pay (e.g., $2-$4 extra per hour), which can significantly boost your $19.04/hour base pay.

Q: How do I find a roommate in Quincy?
A: Use Facebook groups like "Quincy, MA Roommates & Apartments" and "South Shore Housing." Facebook Marketplace is also very active. Always meet in a public place first and verify the lease terms. Quincy has a high percentage of young professionals and students, making it easier to find a compatible roommate.