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Healthcare Support · South Carolina

How to Become a Medical Assistants in South Carolina

Medical Assistants in South Carolina earn a median salary of $38,820/year, which is 12% below the national average. South Carolina has a state income tax of ~2.2%. After taxes and rent, a medical assistants takes home approximately $1,286/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.

$39K
Median salary in South Carolina
-12%
vs. national average
2.2%
State income tax
11,750
Employed in South Carolina

What a medical assistants can afford in South Carolina

Gross annual salary$38,820
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 2.2% state tax)$2,698/mo
Median 2BR rent (South Carolina)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home52.3% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$38,820/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,286/mo

Becoming a medical assistants in South Carolina

1

Meet education requirements

Medical Assistants positions in South Carolina typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across South Carolina. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many medical assistants positions in South Carolina require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain South Carolina licensure or certification

South Carolina may require specific licensing or professional certification for medical assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the South Carolina Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in South Carolina

South Carolina employs 11,750 medical assistants. The highest concentrations are in Charleston-North Charleston and Spartanburg.

Medical Assistants salary by metro area in South Carolina

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Charleston-North Charleston$41K$19.63/hr2,120
Spartanburg$39K$18.88/hr700
Greenville-Anderson-Greer$39K$18.85/hr2,400
Columbia$38K$18.38/hr1,860
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal$38K$18.38/hr490
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach$38K$18.1/hr820
Florence$36K$17.47/hr490
Sumter$35K$17.05/hr180

Medical Assistants salary range in South Carolina

10th percentile (entry)
$31K
25th percentile
$36K
Median (50th)
$39K
75th percentile
$45K
90th percentile (senior)
$47K
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Full medical assistants salary breakdown in South Carolina
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a medical assistants make in South Carolina?

The median medical assistants salary in South Carolina is $38,820 per year ($18.66/hr). This is 12% below the national median of $44,200. Salaries range from $31,240 to $47,120.

What are the requirements to become a medical assistants in South Carolina?

Medical Assistants positions in South Carolina typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. South Carolina may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the South Carolina licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a medical assistants afford to live in South Carolina?

At the median salary of $38,820, a medical assistants in South Carolina would take home approximately $2,698/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 52.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for medical assistants in South Carolina?

The highest paying metro areas for medical assistants in South Carolina are Charleston-North Charleston ($40,830), Spartanburg ($39,280), Greenville-Anderson-Greer ($39,210). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does South Carolina have state income tax for medical assistants?

Yes, South Carolina has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.2%. On a $38,820 salary, this means roughly $857/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.