Columbus vs Omaha: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Columbus, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,978 | $50,396▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.70 | $24.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,839 | $41,064▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,556 | $48,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,810 | $52,558▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,829 | $62,048▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,400▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Omaha is $9,418 (22.98%). Omaha's median is +5.08% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $15,990,Omaha spans $20,984. Omaha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($54,831 effective) pays 22.43% more than Columbus ($44,785 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,396/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,048)
- ✓Larger job market (1,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,831)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Columbus grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Columbus, NE
$34,177 (2024) → $39,038 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$36,160 (2019) → $48,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Columbus or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Omaha as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Columbus vs Omaha?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov