Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $20.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Columbia, SC runs $20.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,702 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,624 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $20.53 by 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.06, reflecting the local market conditions. For part-time medical assistants who work approximately three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a weekly take-home pay that can help meet their financial needs, including those who may choose per-diem opportunities in settings such as primary care offices, specialty clinics, and urgent care centers. The hourly range for medical assistants in Columbia is between $17.87 for entry-level positions and $24.00 for those at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse earning potential based on experience and workplace setting.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.87 | $142.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.82 | $150.57 |
| Median (P50) | $20.53 | $164.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.09 | $184.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.00 | $191.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $20.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.53/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $42,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,639. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $821.29 | $3,559 | $42,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $492.77 | $2,135 | $25,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $328.51 | $1,424 | $17,083 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Columbia) | $20.53 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $42,702 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.97% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 0.40% below the South Carolina state average of $42,873.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.53/hr = $25,624/year (purchasing power: $27,358).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,707/year (purchasing power: $45,597).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Columbia grew 35.6% from $14.43/hr (2019) to $19.56/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.55/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Analyzing the hourly compensation landscape for medical assistants in Columbia reveals various avenues for income enhancement. A part-time medical assistant working 24 hours weekly can expect to earn around $26,929 annually, while full-time counterparts may find more consistent earnings. Per-diem medical assistant pay in Columbia can range from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialty practices commanding even higher rates—$25 to $38 an hour—for experienced professionals. For those in roles at urgent care facilities, shifts can yield additional stipends of $50 to $150. Different employer types influence earning potential significantly, with primary care offices offering lower rates as opposed to more lucrative opportunities in specialty practices or corporate clinics. While some medical assistants may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, others might prefer higher pay without benefits. For those looking to negotiate, highlighting certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA or AMT can enhance their appeal, allowing them to command a better hourly rate in this competitive field.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Columbia?
Are medical assistants in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Columbia?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Columbia. 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