Medical Assistant Salary in Kearney, NE: $42,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Kearney, NE earns a median $42,259/year (≈ $20.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $46,185 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for medical assistants in Kearney, Nebraska, is projected to be $42,259, reflecting a notable discrepancy compared to the national median of $47,961. Salaries vary significantly within the local market, with entry-level positions starting around $35,592 while experienced medical assistants can earn as much as $53,712. This range indicates a healthy level of demand and competition for qualified candidates, particularly among specialty practices such as dermatology and orthopedics, which tend to offer pay premiums compared to primary care settings. The local estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, and highlight the evolving salary landscape for medical assistants in Kearney.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,592 | $17.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,837 | $17.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,259 | $20.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45,288 | $21.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,712 | $25.82 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,120 (2026 est.). At $42,259, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Kearney median: $42,259/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $43,882 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -11.89% less |
Medical Assistants in Kearney, NE earn a median of $42,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $43,882.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney 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.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $42,259 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,185 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,663
2025 BLS Actual
$40,258
2026 Current Est.
$42,259
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,663 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,588 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,769 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,007 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,245 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,258 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,359 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $30,663 (2019) to $40,258 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,359 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,696 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney 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) | $35,592 – $36,837 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,837 – $42,259 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,259 – $45,288 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $45,288 – $53,712 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Kearney
The job market for medical assistants in Kearney shows slight growth, with nine professionals currently employed in the field. A cost of living index of 91.5 suggests that while salaries may fall below the national average, the purchasing power for residents is relatively favorable. Specialty practices like cardiology, orthopedics, and dermatology are likely to be the highest-paying employers in the area, offering more competitive wages compared to primary care facilities. Factors influencing the pay spread include the growing demand for bilingual medical assistants and additional certifications, such as phlebotomy or EKG, which can enhance earning potential. For those looking to maximize their medical assistant pay in Kearney, pursuing specialized training, obtaining national certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA or AMT, and targeting specialty clinics could lead to more lucrative job opportunities.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $40,258 for medical assistantsin the Kearney 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 Kearney 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