Medical Assistant Salary in Hastings, NE: $42,814 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Hastings, NE earns a median $42,814/year (≈ $20.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $46,791 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a medical assistant in Hastings, NE, the financial outlook appears favorable, especially when viewed through the lens of career advancement. With a projected median salary of $42,814 in 2026, medical assistants are positioned below the national average salary of $47,961. The local salary spectrum ranges from $33,630 at the lower end to $52,863 at the upper tier, indicating opportunities for growth. These figures are informed by estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. As the healthcare sector continues to expand, the pathway from medical assistant to licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN) can significantly enhance long-term earning potential and job satisfaction in Hastings's evolving job market.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,630 | $16.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,394 | $17.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,814 | $20.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,937 | $21.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,863 | $25.41 |
Median Salary Position
10.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, NE, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,233 (2026 est.). At $42,814, the local median is 10.73% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hastings Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Hastings median: $42,814/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $43,867 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -10.73% less |
Medical Assistants in Hastings, NE earn a median of $42,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $43,867.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings 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.
Hastings, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $42,814 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,791 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$31,066
2025 BLS Actual
$40,787
2026 Current Est.
$42,814
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,066 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,003 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,493 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,708 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,814 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,942 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $31,066 (2019) to $40,787 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,942 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,876 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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) | $33,630 – $35,394 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,394 – $42,814 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,814 – $44,937 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,937 – $52,863 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Hastings
In Hastings, the job market for medical assistants remains relatively focused, with only five employed in this role, suggesting tight competition for positions. The local cost of living index stands at 91.5, indicating that purchasing power may be greater than average, allowing medical assistants to maximize their take-home pay. To achieve higher earnings, professionals might target employment at specialty practices like dermatology or orthopedic clinics, which often provide competitive pay due to the specialized skills required. Factors such as bilingual capabilities, additional certifications like phlebotomy or EKG, and experience in urgent care settings can further differentiate candidates. This focused strategy can prove beneficial as medical assistants in Hastings navigate the landscape of salaries and opportunities in their field.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Hastings, NE in 2026?
Is Hastings, NE a good place to work as a medical assistant?
Can medical assistants make $100K in Hastings?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical assistant salary in Hastings?
How much does a medical assistant make per hour in Hastings?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nebraska
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 $40,787 for medical assistantsin the Hastings 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 Hastings 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