Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $47,257 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $47,257/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,926 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, experienced medical assistants are positioned to earn substantially higher wages, with top-tier professionals (P90) projected to make $47,257 annually in 2026. This figure represents a significant elevation from the median salary of $37,737, illustrating the financial rewards associated with advanced experience in the field. The gap between these figures highlights the pursuit of specialized skills and responsibilities that can lead to prime earning opportunities. Achieving such salaries often requires years of dedication, along with additional certifications such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA, and expertise in high-demand areas like phlebotomy or dermatology.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $40,770 and $47,257 per year (2026 est.). This $16,207 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $37,737 sits 21.32% below the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $37,737 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,770 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $47,257 | $62,258 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 25.23% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $37,737 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $40,770–$47,257 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Hattiesburg with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Assistants in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Hattiesburg
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #13 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $47,257).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Hattiesburg ($47,257) is 1.55% above the Mississippi average P90 ($46,537).
2019 BLS Actual
$38,300
2025 BLS Actual
$45,020
2026 Current Est.
$47,257
2019–2027 Growth
+29.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,257 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,606 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 17.5% from $38,300 in 2019 to $45,020 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.97% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $49,606 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Earnings in Hattiesburg
Salaries for senior medical assistants in Hattiesburg can vary markedly based on specialization and employer type. Particularly, those with expertise in phlebotomy or cross-training in areas such as EKG and dermatology command premium pay. Clinics focused on OB-GYN, pediatrics, or ophthalmology may also offer competitive salaries due to the specialized nature of their services. Compensation can differ quite a bit across various employers, with specialty practices typically paying more than primary care offices or urgent care centers. For those looking to advance further, positions such as clinical operations supervisor or practice manager can lead to higher earnings. Additionally, enhancing credentials through accredited programs can strengthen a candidate's profile, allowing them to access elevated roles that substantially boost their compensation. Non-salary factors like leadership roles, bilingual skills, benefits, and specialty practice also provide valuable advantages in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $45,020 for medical assistants in the Hattiesburg metro area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical 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