Medical Assistant Salary in Kentucky: $44,257 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kentucky's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median medical assistant pay sits at $44,257/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9092. Because Kentucky sits at BEA RPP 89.3 (11% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $49,560 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Louisville/Jefferson County ($44,450), Louisville ($42,863), Lexington ($40,370).
In Kentucky, the average median salary for medical assistants in 2026 is projected to be $44,257, which is approximately 7.7% lower than the national median of $47,961. The city of Louisville/Jefferson County offers the highest salary at $46,659, while Murray has the lowest at $38,599, resulting in a salary gap of $8,060 between these two locations. This variation is influenced by factors such as the cost of living, availability of healthcare facilities, and local demand for medical assistance. Kentucky's licensing requirements and scope of practice laws also play a role in shaping salaries. Medical assistants are typically required to complete a training program, which can affect their entry into the workforce and overall earning potential. The demand for medical assistants in the state is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.97%, indicating a steady job market outlook. Top cities for employment and salaries in 2026 include Louisville/Jefferson County at $46,659, Louisville at $44,993, Lexington at $42,376, Paducah at $41,316, and Bowling Green at $41,222. With over 8,128 medical assistants currently employed, Kentucky presents a balanced job market for those seeking a career in this field.
Kentucky Medical Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kentucky: $31,510 (lowest entry-level) to $60,362 (highest top earner)
Kentucky vs National Average
Kentucky medical assistants earn 7.72% less than the national median ($-3,704/year difference).
Kentucky Medical Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Medical Assistant salaries in Kentucky range from $38,007 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $50,999 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $44,257. The Kentucky median is $3,704 below the US national median of $47,961. The average hourly rate is $21.28/hr. Approximately 8,128 medical assistants are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,646
2025 BLS Actual
$42,162
2026 Current Est.
$44,257
2019–2027 Growth
+38.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Kentucky (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,976 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,103 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,896 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,162 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,257 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,457 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentucky metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 25.3% from $33,646 (2019) to $42,162 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,457 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,811 (38.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentucky 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Kentucky
Lowest Paying Cities in Kentucky
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Murray | $38,599 |
| Owensboro | $38,860 |
| Jeffersontown | $39,178 |
| Madisonville | $39,315 |
| Georgetown | $39,462 |
Best Value Cities for Medical Assistants in Kentucky
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kentucky cities offer the most purchasing power for medical assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $44,993 | 89.3 | $50,384 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | $46,659 | 93.074 | $50,131 |
| Paducah | $41,316 | 86.084 | $47,995 |
| Independence | $40,942 | 89.3 | $45,848 |
| Florence | $40,894 | 89.3 | $45,794 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $38,007 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $44,257 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $50,999 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kentucky metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Kentucky
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $46,659 |
| 2 | Louisville | $44,993 |
| 3 | Lexington | $42,376 |
| 4 | Paducah | $41,316 |
| 5 | Bowling Green | $41,222 |
| 6 | Independence | $40,942 |
| 7 | Florence | $40,894 |
| 8 | Covington | $40,721 |
| 9 | Nicholasville | $40,644 |
| 10 | Richmond | $40,635 |
| 11 | Elizabethtown | $40,445 |
| 12 | Frankfort | $40,426 |
| 13 | Henderson | $40,359 |
| 14 | Hopkinsville | $40,215 |
| 15 | Ashland | $39,838 |
| 16 | Radcliff | $39,601 |
| 17 | Georgetown | $39,462 |
| 18 | Madisonville | $39,315 |
| 19 | Jeffersontown | $39,178 |
| 20 | Owensboro | $38,860 |
| 21 | Murray | $38,599 |
More Kentucky Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore medical assistant hourly pay in Kentucky cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new medical assistants.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced medical assistants.
Explore More Medical Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Kentucky in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for medical assistants in Kentucky?
How does Kentucky medical assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level medical assistant salary in Kentucky?
How many medical assistants are employed in Kentucky?
Which Kentucky city offers the best value for medical assistants?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 medical assistant compensation across Kentucky. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more medical assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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