Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Hastings, NE: $20.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Hastings, NE runs $20.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,814 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Hastings's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,690 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $20.58 in Hastings, NE, medical assistants earn notably less than the national hourly median of $23.06. This difference is significant for part-time workers, who may only be able to secure jobs for a few days a week in various settings such as primary care clinics, specialty practice rooms, or urgent care facilities. Entry-level positions in this field start at approximately $16.17 per hour, whereas top earners can make around $25.41 per hour. These positions often cater to flexible schedules, making them attractive for those looking for per-diem opportunities. However, it is essential to understand that these estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the potential earning landscape for medical assistant hourly pay in Hastings.
About the Hastings 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) | $16.17 | $129.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.02 | $136.13 |
| Median (P50) | $20.58 | $164.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.60 | $172.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.41 | $203.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hastings
Based on $20.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.58/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hastings, NE can expect to earn approximately $42,816 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,702. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hastings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hastings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $823.38 | $3,568 | $42,816 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $494.03 | $2,141 | $25,690 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.35 | $1,427 | $17,126 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Hastings) | $20.58 |
| 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 Hastings, NE earn a median of $42,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $43,867.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.58/hr = $25,690/year (purchasing power: $28,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,816/year (purchasing power: $46,793).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Hastings grew 31.3% from $14.94/hr (2019) to $19.61/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.61/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 Hastings 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 Hastings
Looking at part-time work, a medical assistant employed three days a week, equating to around 24 hours, would take home approximately $25,057 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per-diem medical assistants in Hastings generally charge anywhere from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on the employer and type of practice. Those in specialty fields like dermatology or plastics tend to command higher rates, with some per-diem positions reaching $25 to $38 per hour. Employers, such as urgent care chains and federally qualified health centers, may vary hourly rates based on the services offered and the demand for staff. While some medical assistants may choose to accept lower pay for benefits like health insurance with full-time positions, others might pursue higher hourly wages without benefits. Therefore, understanding the nuances of the local job market is crucial for effective salary negotiation strategies, particularly in a city like Hastings where employment options can be diverse.
More salary data for Hastings, 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 Hastings. 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 Hastings 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