Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Ashland, KY: $19.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Ashland, KY runs $19.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Ashland's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,908 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, Kentucky, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to be $19.16 in 2026, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national median hourly rate of $23.06. This discrepancy may influence both part-time medical assistants working three days a week as well as per-diem staff, who often work in varied settings such as primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, urgent care stations, and outpatient clinics. For part-time employees, the rate allows for manageable earnings while fitting the demands of other commitments. The hourly pay spans a range from approximately $15.64 for entry-level positions (P10) to up to $23.15 for experienced professionals at the top end of the spectrum (P90), showcasing the income potential within this critical healthcare role.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($37,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.64 | $125.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.23 | $129.83 |
| Median (P50) | $19.16 | $153.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.92 | $159.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.15 | $185.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ashland
Based on $19.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.16/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ashland, KY can expect to earn approximately $39,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,988. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ashland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ashland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $766.28 | $3,321 | $39,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $459.77 | $1,992 | $23,908 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $306.51 | $1,328 | $15,939 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Ashland) | $19.16 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Ashland, KY earn a median of $39,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.94% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 3.50% below the Kentucky state average of $41,283.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.16/hr = $23,908/year (purchasing power: $26,773).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,847/year (purchasing power: $44,621).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Ashland grew 31.3% from $13.90/hr (2019) to $18.25/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.11/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Ashland
For those considering part-time opportunities, a medical assistant working 24 hours a week could earn nearly $25,000 annually, a figure which is significantly lower than the potential earnings of a full-time colleague. Per diem medical assistant pay in Ashland typically sees workers billing anywhere from $20 to $30 per hour, and in specialty practices like dermatology or plastics, the rates can climb to between $25 and $38 per hour. Additionally, urgent care facilities often provide stipends for extended shifts which can enhance the overall compensation. It's essential for medical assistants in Ashland to weigh the benefits of part-time positions against full-time opportunities, especially as some employers offer lower hourly rates but provide essential health benefits. Negotiating higher hourly wages, particularly in competitive environments like primary care offices versus specialty centers, can also lead to better earning potential as the regional healthcare landscape continues to evolve.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Ashland in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Ashland?
Are medical assistants in Ashland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Ashland?
Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Ashland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Ashland. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ashland 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