Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Lincoln, NE: $23.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Lincoln, NE runs $23.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,535 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Lincoln's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,724 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lincoln, Nebraska, the projected median hourly pay for medical assistants is $23.82, slightly above the national hourly median of $23.06. This competitive wage reflects the growing demand for medical assistants, particularly in settings such as primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, and urgent care intake stations. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate can offer an appealing income while allowing for flexibility. Entry-level medical assistants may start in the range of $18.02, while experienced professionals can earn up to $30.40 per hour, showcasing a diverse earning potential within the city’s healthcare landscape.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.02 | $144.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.58 | $156.62 |
| Median (P50) | $23.82 | $190.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.10 | $208.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.40 | $243.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lincoln
Based on $23.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.82/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lincoln, NE can expect to earn approximately $49,541 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,581. With a cost-of-living index of 91.58 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lincoln.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lincoln
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $952.71 | $4,128 | $49,541 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $571.62 | $2,477 | $29,724 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.08 | $1,651 | $19,816 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Lincoln) | $23.82 |
| 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 Lincoln, NE earn a median of $49,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 12.90% above the Nebraska state average of $43,875.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.82/hr = $29,724/year (purchasing power: $32,457).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,541/year (purchasing power: $54,095).
CoL index: 91.581 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Lincoln (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Lincoln grew 29.4% from $17.53/hr (2019) to $22.69/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.00/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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln
When considering part-time work, a medical assistant in Lincoln working just three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, would take home approximately $29,966 annually, which emphasizes the financial trade-offs of part-time versus full-time positions. Per diem medical assistant pay in Lincoln varies, with rates commonly ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, while those in specialty practices can command between $25 and $38. Moreover, urgent care facilities may offer bonuses for 12-hour shifts, adding stipends of $50 to $150 on top of the base pay. Hourly rates also shift depending on the employer type; primary care offices typically provide steadier hours, while urgent care chains and specialty clinics may offer premium compensation. Some medical assistants may choose slightly lower hourly rates for positions with benefits, favoring job security over pay, which is a critical consideration for many professionals in this field. Negotiating for a higher wage or exploring various employment types can significantly impact overall earnings.
More salary data for Lincoln, 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 Lincoln. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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