Medical Assistant in Salina, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

As a local, I’ve watched Salina’s healthcare scene evolve from a small-town network into a robust regional hub. The numbers tell a clear story: Medical Assistants (MAs) here earn a median salary of $36,892/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.74/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $38,270/year, the cost of living in Salina is significantly lower—more on that in a moment.

Here’s how pay scales with experience in the Salina area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	$15.38 - $16.83
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$36,892 (Median)	$17.74
Senior (5-10 years)	$40,000 - $44,000	$19.23 - $21.15
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$45,000+	$21.63+

Insider Tip: Salina’s pay is particularly strong for those with certifications in phlebotomy or EKG tech. Local employers often pay a premium of $1-$2/hour for these skills, pushing the senior-level pay closer to $45,000.

How Salina Compares to Other Kansas Cities:

• Wichita (largest metro): Higher median pay (approx. $38,500), but a 15% higher cost of living. The job market is also larger and more competitive.
• Topeka (state capital): Similar median pay (approx. $37,200), with a comparable cost of living. State government jobs offer stability but fewer specialty roles.
• Manhattan (college town): Pay is slightly lower (approx. $35,500), but the presence of a major university and research hospital drives demand for specialized MAs.

Salina’s sweet spot is its stability. With 92 MA jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth of 15%—outpacing the national average for many healthcare support roles—it’s a reliable market. The growth is driven by an aging population and the consolidation of care under major regional systems.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. A single Medical Assistant earning the median salary of $36,892/year takes home approximately $2,350/month after federal, state, and FICA taxes (using KS’s 5.7% income tax and standard single deductions).

The average 1-bedroom apartment in Salina rents for $792/month. This leaves a $1,558 monthly surplus for utilities, groceries, transportation, and savings.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single MA, Median Salary):

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,350	After taxes
Rent (1BR Apt)	-$792	Citywide average
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$180
Groceries	-$300
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$350	Essential in Salina
Healthcare (Insurance Premiums)	-$150	Employer-subsidized
Discretionary/Savings	-$578
Total	$0	Balanced budget

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with careful planning. The median home price in Salina is around $165,000. With a 3.5% FHA loan, the down payment is $5,775. The estimated monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be approximately $950-$1,050. This is higher than rent, but still manageable given the surplus in a typical MA budget. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement or first-time homebuyer programs through partnerships with local credit unions like Salina Federal Savings Bank.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

Salina’s healthcare ecosystem is anchored by a few major players. Here’s where you should be applying:

1. Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC): The 200-bed flagship hospital and the region’s largest employer. They host over 30 specialty clinics. Hiring is constant for their primary care and specialty departments (Cardiology, Orthopedics). Insider Tip: Apply for the "Medical Assistant Pool" position—it gets you in the system and allows you to float between clinics, which is great for experience.
2. Via Christi Hospital Salina (Ascension): Part of the massive Ascension network. Offers strong benefits and opportunities for cross-training. They are currently expanding their oncology and senior care services, creating new MA roles.
3. Salina Family Healthcare Center: A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving low-income and underserved populations. They offer a mission-driven environment and often have lower turnover, but competitive hiring. They highly value bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates.
4. OrthoKansas: A prominent private orthopedic practice. They seek MAs with a strong interest in musculoskeletal care and surgical assisting. Pay here is often at the higher end of the local range.
5. Kansas Heart Hospital: A specialty hospital focused on cardiology. MAs here gain deep, focused experience in EKGs, stress tests, and patient education for cardiac conditions.
6. Salina Pediatrics: A growing private practice catering to the city’s young families. Offers a great work-life balance with standard office hours.
7. Lindsborg Community Hospital: Located about 20 minutes south, this critical access hospital often hires Salina-based MAs looking for a slower pace and closer-knit community feel.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift toward team-based care models. Employers are looking for MAs who can handle both administrative and clinical tasks efficiently. Proficiency with Epic or Cerner EMR systems is a major advantage.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas does not have a state-level license for Medical Assistants. Instead, certification is handled through national bodies, and employers dictate the requirements.

The Pathway:

1. Education: Graduate from an accredited program. Salina’s own Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU) and Salina Area Technical College (Salina Tech) offer excellent, accredited programs.
2. Certification: Pass one of two key exams:
   • CMA (AAMA): The Certified Medical Assistant from the American Association of Medical Assistants. This is the most recognized and often preferred by hospitals.
   • RMA (AMT): The Registered Medical Assistant from the American Medical Technologists.
3. Cost: Exam fees range from $120 - $150. Program tuition at Salina Tech is approximately $6,000-$8,000 for a full certificate program, significantly less than many national averages.
4. Timeline: A full-time certificate program takes about 10-12 months. Part-time options are available and typically take 18-24 months.

Insider Tip: Many local employers will hire you as a "Medical Assistant" with the condition that you obtain certification within 6-12 months of hire. This is a great way to earn while you learn. Always check the specific job posting for their requirement.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Commuting in Salina is easy—most everything is within a 15-20 minute drive. Your choice depends on lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown/Midtown	Walkable, historic, near cafes and parks. 5-10 min to SRHC & Via Christi.	$850 - $950	Young professionals who want an urban feel.
South Salina	Residential, family-oriented, near Southtown Shopping Center. 10-15 min to hospitals.	$750 - $850	Those seeking quiet, suburban living.
East Salina	Mix of older homes and new developments. Close to I-70 for easy travel. 10 min to hospitals.	$700 - $800	Commuters or those wanting more space.
West Salina	More rural, with larger lots. 15-20 min to hospitals.	$650 - $750	Those who want a quieter, country feel while staying close to the city.

Personal Insight: If you’re new to town, consider starting in an apartment complex in South Salina. It’s central, safe, and you’ll quickly learn the city’s layout. The commute to any major hospital is a breeze.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Salina, your growth is defined by specialization and leadership, not necessarily climbing a corporate ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: As noted, phlebotomy and EKG skills add $1-$2/hour to your base pay. Experience in orthopedics, cardiology, or pediatrics makes you a highly sought-after candidate for high-paying private practices.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead MA: Overseeing a clinic’s MA team. Requires strong organizational skills.
  • Clinical Coordinator: A hybrid role blending MA duties with scheduling and patient flow management.
  • Program Coordinator: At SRHC or Via Christi, you could move into managing specific wellness or chronic disease management programs.
  • Teaching: Salina Tech and KWU often hire experienced MAs as adjunct instructors for their certificate programs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 15% job growth is solid. The demand will be driven by the ongoing expansion of specialty services in cardiology, orthopedics, and senior care. The move toward Value-Based Care models means MAs who excel at patient education and chronic disease management will be indispensable. Salina’s role as a regional hub means it will continue to attract patients from surrounding rural counties, sustaining demand.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordability: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited Nightlife/Arts: It’s a quiet city; you’ll travel to Wichita or KC for major concerts/events.
Job Stability & Growth: 92 jobs and 15% growth is a strong market.	Smaller Network: The healthcare community is tight-knit; reputation matters.
Easy Commute: 15 minutes max to any major employer.	Weather: Winters can be harsh and windy; summers are hot and humid.
Strong Community Feel: You know your neighbors and colleagues.	Diversity: Smaller than major metros, though growing.
Regional Hub Status: Access to specialized care without big-city chaos.

Final Recommendation: Salina is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who values stability, affordability, and a strong sense of community. It’s ideal for those starting their career, looking to buy a home, or seeking a better work-life balance than a large, fast-paced metro offers. If you crave the energy of a major city and are chasing the absolute highest salary, you may find it limiting. But for a balanced, sustainable career in healthcare, Salina is a hidden gem in the Kansas landscape.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to get a job in Salina?
Not always. Many clinics, especially FQHCs or private practices, will hire you as a "Medical Assistant" trainee. However, hospitals like SRHC and Via Christi strongly prefer or require certification (CMA or RMA) at the time of application. It’s highly recommended to get certified for the best opportunities and pay.

2. What’s the parking like at the hospitals?
At SRHC and Via Christi, employee parking is generally abundant and free, though you may have to take a shuttle from a remote lot. It’s a non-issue compared to big-city hospital systems. Downtown clinics usually have dedicated lots or street parking.

3. How competitive is the job market for new MAs?
Moderately competitive. While there are 92 jobs, you’re competing with graduates from local programs. Having a certification and any relevant externship experience (especially at a local clinic) gives you a significant edge. Networking through your program’s instructors is invaluable.

4. Is Salina a good place for a family if I’m an MA?
Absolutely. The Cost of Living Index of 88.0 (US avg = 100) means a single MA’s income can comfortably support a family. The city has good public schools, numerous parks, and a strong community focus. It’s a very family-friendly environment.

5. Can I commute from a nearby town like Lindsborg or Abilene?
Yes, and many do. Commuting from Lindsborg (20 mins) or Abilene (35 mins) is very common. The highways are well-maintained, and gas prices are typically lower than the national average. This can be a great way to access a slightly lower rent while working in Salina’s stronger job market.