Medical Assistant Salary in Nebraska: $49,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Nebraska's 13 metropolitan areas, the average median medical assistant pay sits at $49,540/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9092. Because Nebraska sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $54,142 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Omaha ($48,010), Lincoln ($47,190), Hastings ($40,787).
In 2026, the average median salary for medical assistants in Nebraska is projected to be $49,541, which is 3.3% higher than the national average of $47,961. Omaha offers the highest salary at $50,396, while North Platte presents the lowest at $40,807, resulting in a salary gap of $9,589. This difference can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of living, the concentration of healthcare facilities, and demand for medical services in urban versus rural areas. In Nebraska, state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws are favorable for medical assistants, helping to maintain a steady demand for these professionals. The projected growth rate of 4.97% indicates a positive job market outlook, as an estimated 2,132 medical assistants are currently employed in the state. Lincoln ranks closely behind Omaha with a median salary of $49,535, followed by Hastings at $42,814, Fremont at $42,582, and Bellevue at $42,494. This data highlights that opportunities may vary depending on specific locations within the state, making it vital for job seekers to consider regional demands and compensation levels when exploring career options.
Nebraska Medical Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Nebraska: $33,067 (lowest entry-level) to $63,234 (highest top earner)
Nebraska vs National Average
Nebraska medical assistants earn 3.29% more than the national median (+$1,579/year difference).
Nebraska Medical Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Medical Assistant salaries in Nebraska range from $39,882 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $61,856 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $49,540. The Nebraska median is $1,579 above the US national median of $47,961. The average hourly rate is $23.82/hr. Approximately 2,132 medical assistants are employed across 13 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,924
2025 BLS Actual
$47,195
2026 Current Est.
$49,540
2019–2027 Growth
+44.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Nebraska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,924 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,866 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,562 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,002 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nebraska metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.4% from $35,924 (2019) to $47,195 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,002 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,078 (44.76%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nebraska 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 Nebraska
Lowest Paying Cities in Nebraska
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| North Platte | $40,807 |
| Papillion | $40,820 |
| La Vista | $40,863 |
| Norfolk | $40,870 |
| Columbus | $40,978 |
Best Value Cities for Medical Assistants in Nebraska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Nebraska cities offer the most purchasing power for medical assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $50,396 | 91.911 | $54,831 |
| Lincoln | $49,535 | 91.581 | $54,089 |
| Grand Island | $42,376 | 86.657 | $48,901 |
| Hastings | $42,814 | 91.5 | $46,791 |
| Fremont | $42,582 | 91.5 | $46,538 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $39,882 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $49,540 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $61,856 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Nebraska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 13 Cities in Nebraska
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omaha | $50,396 |
| 2 | Lincoln | $49,535 |
| 3 | Hastings | $42,814 |
| 4 | Fremont | $42,582 |
| 5 | Bellevue | $42,494 |
| 6 | Grand Island | $42,376 |
| 7 | Kearney | $42,259 |
| 8 | Scottsbluff | $42,114 |
| 9 | Columbus | $40,978 |
| 10 | Norfolk | $40,870 |
| 11 | La Vista | $40,863 |
| 12 | Papillion | $40,820 |
| 13 | North Platte | $40,807 |
More Nebraska Salary Data
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 Nebraska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for medical assistants in Nebraska?
How does Nebraska medical assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level medical assistant salary in Nebraska?
How many medical assistants are employed in Nebraska?
Which Nebraska 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 Nebraska. State averages are employment-weighted across 13 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