Medical Assistant Salary in Columbus, NE: $40,978 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Columbus, NE earns a median $40,978/year (≈ $19.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $44,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Columbus, Nebraska are projected to earn a median annual salary of $40,978, which is notably lower than the national median of $47,961. The salary range for this occupation in Columbus spans from $35,839 at the 10th percentile to $51,829 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various job responsibilities and settings. These figures come from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Columbus shows a differentiated pay landscape, where specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics typically offer higher compensation compared to primary care settings. Understanding these nuances can be crucial for job seekers evaluating opportunities in this Nebraska town.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,839 | $17.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,556 | $17.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,978 | $19.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,810 | $20.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,829 | $24.92 |
Median Salary Position
14.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, NE, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,990 (2026 est.). At $40,978, the local median is 14.56% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Columbus median: $40,978/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $43,874 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -14.56% less |
Medical Assistants in Columbus, NE earn a median of $40,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $43,874.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $40,978 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $44,785 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$29,733
2025 BLS Actual
$39,038
2026 Current Est.
$40,978
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,733 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,631 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,776 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,177 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,038 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,978 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,015 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $29,733 (2019) to $39,038 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,015 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,282 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,839 – $36,556 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,556 – $40,978 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,978 – $41,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,810 – $51,829 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Columbus
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently four medical assistants employed in Columbus. The relatively low cost of living, reflected by a cost-of-living index of 91.5, means that take-home pay can afford a decent standard of living despite the lower average salaries. In Columbus, the facilities that tend to pay the highest wages include specialty practices, urgent care chains, and hospital outpatient clinics. The variation in pay often hinges on several factors: professionals working in specialty areas, such as cardiology or dermatology, can expect higher salaries than those in primary care. Bilingual skills, advanced certifications, and experience play significant roles in boosting earnings. For those looking to enhance their pay in Columbus, pursuing additional certifications or gaining experience in high-demand specialties may provide a strategic advantage in this competitive field.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Columbus, NE in 2026?
Is Columbus, NE a good place to work as a medical assistant?
Can medical assistants make $100K in Columbus?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical assistant salary in Columbus?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $39,038 for medical assistantsin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus 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