Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $19.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Columbus, NE runs $19.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,589 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical assistant hourly pay in Columbus, NE, is projected to reach a median of $19.70, which stands below the national hourly median of $23.06. This pay rate highlights the affordability of living in Columbus, where medical assistants can expect to earn between $17.23 and $24.92 per hour, depending on experience and specific job settings. For part-time workers, like those who work three days a week, earnings can be attractive; this typically offers flexibility while making a decent income for various roles, including positions in primary care exam rooms and urgent care facilities. Additionally, hourly rates reflect an emerging trend where entry-level medical assistants earn closer to the lower end of the spectrum, while experienced professionals in specialized practices can expect substantially higher rates.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.23 | $137.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.57 | $140.58 |
| Median (P50) | $19.70 | $157.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.10 | $160.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.92 | $199.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $19.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.70/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $40,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,643. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $788.11 | $3,415 | $40,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $472.87 | $2,049 | $24,589 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $315.25 | $1,366 | $16,393 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Columbus) | $19.70 |
| 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 Columbus, NE earn a median of $40,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $43,874.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.70/hr = $24,589/year (purchasing power: $26,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,982/year (purchasing power: $44,789).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Columbus grew 31.3% from $14.30/hr (2019) to $18.77/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.68/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
The financial landscape for part-time medical assistants in Columbus can be quite advantageous, especially for those working 24 hours a week. With the median hourly wage, a medical assistant in this setup might take home about $29,000 annually compared to full-time counterparts. For per diem medical assistant pay in Columbus, it's not uncommon to see rates ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialty practices (like dermatology and orthopedics) offering higher compensation, sometimes as much as $25 to $38 an hour. Urgent care settings can sweeten the deal further, presenting stipends of $50 to $150 for 12-hour shifts. In front-line facilities such as FQHCs and corporate health clinics, hourly wages tend to vary significantly based on employment type and benefits offered. Many MAs in Columbus face the dilemma of choosing between immediate higher pay or opting for lower hourly wages with healthcare benefits. Negotiating for better rates is viable, particularly if you have a recognized certification from bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, as these can lend credibility and potentially boost pay.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
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
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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