Medical Assistant in Sunrise Manor CDP, NV

The Salary Picture: Where Sunrise Manor CDP Stands

Living and working as a Medical Assistant in Sunrise Manor CDP, NV, is a story of numbers that are solid, if not spectacular. The median salary for MAs here sits at $37,971/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $18.26/hour. It's crucial to understand that this is a median, meaning half of all MAs in the area earn more, and half earn less. This figure is just a hair below the national average of $38,270/year, a difference of about $299 annually. While the gap is small, it's a data point to keep in mind.

The job market itself is promising for this specific role. The Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV metro area, which includes Sunrise Manor, employs 427 Medical Assistants. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection for this occupation is a robust 15%, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This indicates a sustained demand for skilled MAs, driven by an aging population and the expansion of outpatient care facilities in our valley.

Here’s a breakdown of how experience levels typically correlate with pay in this region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Sunrise Manor)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $35,000	Often starts with phlebotomy and basic clinical duties. Expect a probationary period.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$37,000 - $40,000	This is where the median salary of $37,971 typically falls. Certification is a key differentiator.
Senior/Lead MA (5-10 years)	$41,000 - $45,000	Involves training, complex EHR management, and possible specialty clinic experience.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$46,000+	Often in cardiology, orthopedics, or surgical centers. May have an AAS degree.

When compared to other Nevada cities, Sunrise Manor's location is an advantage. It's part of the economic core of Clark County, meaning salaries are generally higher here than in rural areas like Elko or Ely. While Reno's healthcare market is strong, the cost of living in the Reno-Sparks metro is often slightly higher, which can offset the salary differences. For an MA, starting in the Las Vegas valley provides the highest concentration of employers and the most diverse clinical settings within the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A salary of $37,971/year before taxes is the baseline. In Nevada, there is no state income tax, which is a significant financial advantage. However, you will pay federal income tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and other deductions. A rough estimate for a single filer with no dependents would see approximately 22-25% of your gross pay going to taxes and benefits, leaving a net monthly take-home of roughly $2,400 - $2,500.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the broader Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise metro is $1,314/month. In Sunrise Manor and its surrounding neighborhoods, you can find one-bedroom units ranging from $1,150 to $1,400, depending on age, amenities, and exact location.

Here is a sample monthly budget for an MA earning $37,971/year (approx. $3,164/month gross, $2,450/month net):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,300	Mid-range in a safe, central area.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150	Higher in summer due to AC.
Internet/Cell Phone	$120	Basic plans.
Car Payment & Insurance	$350	Assumes a modest used car.
Gas/Transportation	$120	High due to valley sprawl and summer heat.
Groceries	$250	Conservative estimate.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	Varies widely by employer.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$160	Living comfortably but frugally.
Total	$2,650
Surplus/Deficit	-$200

Can they afford to buy a home? In short, on a single MA salary of $37,971, it's extremely challenging. The median home price in the Las Vegas metro is well over $400,000. A 20% down payment is $80,000, and a monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, would likely exceed $2,200—more than your entire net take-home after rent. Homeownership is feasible only with a dual-income household, a significant down payment, or if you move into a high-paying specialty role later in your career.

Where the Jobs Are: Sunrise Manor CDP's Major Employers

Sunrise Manor CDP is uniquely positioned. It's a residential community nestled between the urban core of Las Vegas and the growing suburbs to the east. This means you have access to a wide range of employers without necessarily living in the densest part of the city.

1. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center: A Level II Trauma Center and a major teaching hospital. While its official address is in Las Vegas, it's the dominant employer for the entire eastern valley, including Sunrise Manor. They have massive outpatient clinics, a large ER, and specialty departments. Hiring trends show a constant need for MAs, especially those with bilingual skills (English/Spanish) and EHR proficiency (they use Epic and Meditech).

2. MountainView Hospital: Another major HCA Healthcare facility, also a Level II Trauma Center. Located just south of Sunrise Manor in Las Vegas, it's a primary employer for the area. They have a strong focus on cardiac and orthopedic care, creating niche MA opportunities.

3. Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals: With multiple campuses in the Henderson area (a short drive from Sunrise Manor), Dignity Health is a key player. Their Siena campus is particularly close. They are known for a community-focused approach and often hire MAs for their primary care and specialty clinics.

4. Eldorado Primary Care and Specialist Group: This is a large, local primary care network with several clinics in the eastern valley (including one on Nellis Blvd). They are a top employer for MAs who want to focus on family medicine, pediatrics, or internal medicine. They frequently post jobs on local boards and often provide on-the-job training for new grads.

5. Vegas Valley Medical Group: A growing network of urgent care and primary care clinics. They have a location on Boulder Highway, central to Sunrise Manor. They offer a fast-paced environment and are a great stepping stone for someone looking to build experience in acute care and patient triage.

6. The VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System (VA Medical Center): Located in North Las Vegas, a reasonable commute from Sunrise Manor. Federal jobs are competitive but offer excellent benefits, a structured career path, and strong job security. They hire civilian MAs for their outpatient clinics and specialty services.

Hiring Trends: The local market is heavily influenced by the major hospital systems. The trend is toward hiring MAs with certification (CMA or RMA) and at least six months of clinical externship experience. Bilingual (Spanish) MAs receive a significant hiring advantage and often a small hourly premium. There's also a growing demand for MAs in urgent care settings, which operate with extended hours and weekend shifts.

Getting Licensed in NV

Nevada has clear but stringent requirements for Medical Assistants, especially for those performing specific clinical functions.

State-Specific Requirements:
To perform clinical tasks (like administering injections, taking EKGs, or drawing blood), you must be a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through American Medical Technologists (AMT). Nevada does not allow on-the-job training for these specific duties; you must have formal education and certification.

Costs and Timeline:

• Education: An accredited MA program typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000 at a community college (like Nevada State College or College of Southern Nevada) or a vocational school. The program lasts 9-12 months.
• Certification Exam: The exam fee for the CMA (AAMA) is approximately $120-$150. There are also costs for study materials.
• Background Check: Required by all employers; costs about $50-$75.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Enroll in an Accredited Program: This is your first step. Look for programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
2. Complete Clinical Externship: This is a mandatory part of your program (typically 180 hours) where you work in a real clinic or hospital. Insider Tip: Use your externship at Sunrise Hospital or MountainView. It's a 7-week job interview. Many MAs are hired directly from their externship site.
3. Graduate & Apply for Certification: Upon graduation, you are eligible to sit for your exam. Study for 1-2 months.
4. Pass the Exam & Get Hired: Once certified, you can apply for jobs. The entire process, from program start to job offer, is typically 10-14 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Sunrise Manor CDP itself is largely residential. As an MA, you'll likely want to live in a neighborhood with a reasonable commute to the major hospitals on the Strip and in Henderson.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	MA-Specific Pros	Avg. 1BR Rent
Sunrise Manor (CDP Core)	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. Central to all major employers.	Shortest commute to Sunrise Hospital & MountainView. Walkable to basic amenities.	$1,150 - $1,300
Henderson (Green Valley)	Upscale, master-planned, safe. ~20-25 min commute to Sunrise Manor jobs.	Higher concentration of specialty clinics (Dignity Health, Valley Health). More amenities.	$1,350 - $1,550
North Las Vegas (Centennial Hills)	Growing, more affordable, newer developments. ~15-20 min commute.	Close to the VA Medical Center. Good access to I-15.	$1,200 - $1,400
Boulder City	Small-town feel, historic, very safe. ~30-35 min commute.	Escape the city hustle. Strong sense of community. Fewer jobs locally.	$1,250 - $1,400
The Strip/Commercial Corridors	High-density, noisy, tourist-heavy. ~10-15 min commute.	Proximity to major hospitals. Endless dining/entertainment options.	$1,400 - $1,700

Insider Tip: The commute from Henderson or North Las Vegas during rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) on I-15, US-95, or I-215 can add 15-20 minutes. Living closer to your primary employer cluster (e.g., near Nellis Blvd. for Sunrise Hospital) is a significant quality-of-life benefit.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Starting at $37,971 is a launchpad, not a destination. The 15% 10-year job growth means opportunities will be plentiful.

Specialty Premiums:

• Cardiology & Orthopedics: MAs in these high-volume specialties at places like MountainView or Dignity Health can see a $1.50 - $2.50/hour premium over the base rate.
• Ophthalmology & Dermatology: These outpatient surgical and cosmetic clinics often offer higher pay and more regular business hours. Expect a $1.00 - $2.00/hour premium.
• Phlebotomy Specialization: If you become a lead phlebotomist or work in a high-volume lab, you can command a higher wage due to specialized skill.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead MA: Overseeing a team, training new hires, managing inventory. Requires 3-5 years of solid experience.
2. Clinical Coordinator: A step into office management, focusing on patient flow, scheduling, and compliance. Often requires an Associate's degree (AAS) in Health Sciences.
3. Specialized Certifications: Pursue additional certs like Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT) or Certified EKG Technician (CET) to increase your value and pay.
4. Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs in Nevada use their experience to transition into LPN or RN programs. Your clinical hours are a huge asset. The College of Southern Nevada and Nevada State College have strong bridge programs.

10-Year Outlook: With the projected growth, an MA who starts now, gains 2-3 years of experience, and specializes could easily see their salary grow to $45,000 - $52,000 by year 5-7, especially with a move into a lead or specialty role.

The Verdict: Is Sunrise Manor CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Job Market: 427 jobs and 15% growth ensures opportunities.	Salary vs. Cost of Living: $37,971 median is close to the national average, but rent is higher. Budgeting is key.
No State Income Tax: Your net pay goes further.	Summer Heat: Intense heat (100°F+) from June-Sept impacts utility costs and lifestyle.
Diverse Employer Base: From large hospitals to small clinics, you can find your niche.	Vehicle Dependent: Public transport is limited. A reliable car is a necessity.
Central Location: Easy access to entertainment, dining, and outdoor activities (Red Rock, Lake Mead).	Urban Sprawl: Commutes can be long if you choose to live farther out for cheaper rent.
Growth Potential: Clear paths for specialization and advancement.	Competition: Entry-level positions are popular; certification is essential to stand out.

Final Recommendation:
Sunrise Manor CDP, NV, is an excellent choice for a newly certified Medical Assistant or one with 1-3 years of experience who is ready to work hard and build a career. The combination of a solid job market with 15% growth, no state income tax, and a manageable cost of living (relative to other major metros) makes it a practical launchpad. If you value career opportunity over affordable homeownership as a single earner, and you can handle the desert climate, this is a strong market to enter. The key is to get certified, secure a job at a major hospital system, and live close to work to minimize commute stress.

FAQs

Q: Can I work as an MA in Nevada without certification?
A: You can be hired as an "unofficial" MA for administrative tasks (scheduling, filing, phone calls). However, to perform any clinical task (vitals, injections, blood draws, EKGs), you must be certified (CMA/RMA). Without certification, your job options are severely limited and pay will be lower.

Q: Is the job market for MAs saturated here?
A: While competitive, the 15% growth rate and 427 current jobs show it's not saturated. There is a constant churn and demand, especially from new clinics opening. The key differentiators are certification, bilingual skills (Spanish), and certainty in your clinical externship.

Q: What's the best way to find an MA job in this area?
A: Check the career pages of the major hospital systems (Sunrise, MountainView, Dignity Health) first. Use Indeed and LinkedIn, filtering for "Medical Assistant" in "Las Vegas, NV." Insider Tip: Network with your externship supervisor and instructors; they often have direct connections to hiring managers.

Q: How does the cost of living index of 97.4 affect me?
A:** This index (where the US average is 100) indicates that the Las Vegas metro area is slightly more affordable than the national average. However, this is a composite index. It's heavily influenced by housing and healthcare costs. While your rent might be slightly below the national average, your transportation and utility costs (due to summer AC use) may be higher. It's a net positive but not a guarantee of a cheap lifestyle.

Q: Are there part-time or flexible schedules available?
A: Yes. Many outpatient clinics (like Eldorado or Vegas Valley) offer 4-day work weeks or part-time schedules. Hospital-based jobs are more likely to require 10-hour shifts or weekend rotations. Urgent care clinics often have shifts that can work well for students or those seeking flexibility. Always ask about schedule options during the interview.