Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Louisville, KY: $21.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Louisville, KY runs $21.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,993 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,000 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, Kentucky, medical assistants command a median hourly rate of $21.63, falling slightly below the national median of $23.06. This hourly pay rate offers a reasonable income for part-time workers, such as those on a schedule of three days per week, allowing for around $1,038 in weekly earnings. Per-diem workers in various healthcare settings, including primary care exam rooms or specialty practice procedure rooms, can expect compensation ranging widely from $15.80 to $29.02 per hour based on experience and employer type. With an entry-level pay starting at $15.80 and top earners in the field reaching up to $29.02, the hourly compensation presents a viable source of income for medical assistants at different stages of their careers while also reflecting the local economic landscape projected for 2026.
About the Louisville 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) | $15.80 | $126.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.28 | $138.22 |
| Median (P50) | $21.63 | $173.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.73 | $189.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.02 | $232.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $21.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.63/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, KY can expect to earn approximately $44,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,961. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $865.37 | $3,750 | $44,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $519.22 | $2,250 | $27,000 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.15 | $1,500 | $18,000 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Louisville) | $21.63 |
| 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 Louisville, KY earn a median of $44,993 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.19% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $41,278.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.63/hr = $27,000/year (purchasing power: $30,235).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,999/year (purchasing power: $50,391).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Louisville grew 31.3% from $15.70/hr (2019) to $20.61/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.71/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
For those considering part-time positions, a medical assistant working 24 hours a week would potentially earn around $48,000 annually, significantly lower than a full-time peer but still fostering a reasonable living in Louisville's cost-effective environment. Per diem roles also provide an interesting economic avenue, with rates between $20-$30 per hour for general work, while specialty practices—particularly in fields like dermatology and plastics—can elevate those rates to $25-$38 per hour. Urgent care shifts often come with bonus stipends of $50-$150, enhancing overall earnings. Different employer types influence hourly compensation; for instance, while primary care offices may offer lower rates, urgent care and specialty practices frequently pay a premium. When negotiating pay, medical assistants should weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and the stability offered by positions providing health insurance, which can be particularly crucial for those looking to build a long-term career in healthcare.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Louisville in 2026?
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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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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