Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Russellville, AR: $32,326 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Russellville, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,326 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Russellville's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,199 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,923) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new medical assistants entering the workforce in Russellville, AR, the starting medical assistant salary in 2026 is projected to be around $32,326. This initial pay reflects a gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $37,923, showing that while entry-level positions offer a foothold, there is room for financial growth as they advance in their careers. Over the first few years, new grads can expect to see their salaries move from the initial P10 to P25 at approximately $33,224, eventually reaching the median level. Considering the local job market and potential for professional growth, Russellville presents a viable option for new graduates looking to kickstart their medical careers in a supportive environment.
About the Russellville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Russellville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Russellville
Entry-level medical assistants in Russellville, AR typically start between $32,326 and $33,224 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,923 — 20.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Arkansas of $4,500 represents just 13.92% of the starting medical assistant pay ($32,326/year) in Russellville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP and ABHES-accredited medical assisting program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, private vocational) and program length.
MA, CMA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Russellville
- 1Research the Russellville market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $32,326 to $33,224, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical assisting field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Russellville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Russellville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Russellville's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in Russellville is $16,140 ( 49.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,326, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,466.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,056
2025 BLS Actual
$30,795
2026 Current Est.
$32,326
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Russellville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,056 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,004 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,832 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,617 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,719 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,795 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,326 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,932 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Russellville, AR grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,056 in 2019 to $30,795 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,932. New graduates entering the Russellville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Russellville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical assisting Career in Russellville
Major employers in Russellville typically hiring fresh graduates include primary care offices and urgent care chains, which often have structured onboarding programs. These establishments tend to favor candidates who have completed accredited medical assistant programs and may value credentials such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA certification from recognized bodies like AAMA and AMT. Added qualifications like BLS certification or specialty skills in phlebotomy can further enhance earning potential. FQHCs in the area also offer promising opportunities, including loan repayment incentives for NHSC participants. For those looking to advance, the nature of the MA role presents a clear path; as they accumulate experience, new grads can transition into higher-paying specialty practices, which often offer salaries paying 20-40% more. Thus, realistic salary growth expectations within the first three years in Russellville can align with the overall industry trend of rapid expansion in the medical assistant field.
More salary data for Russellville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical assisting graduates. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Russellville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Russellville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov