Hastings vs Lincoln: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Hastings, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hastings, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,814 | $49,535▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.58 | $23.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,630 | $37,485▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,394 | $40,718▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,937 | $54,280▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,863 | $63,234▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 570▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.
The salary gap between Hastings and Lincoln is $6,721 (15.70%). Lincoln's median is +3.28% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hastings spans $19,233,Lincoln spans $25,749. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($54,089 effective) pays 15.60% more than Hastings ($46,791 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,535/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,234)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,089)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Hastings grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.5% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Hastings, NE
$35,708 (2024) → $40,787 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$36,450 (2019) → $47,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hastings, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Hastings or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hastings and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Hastings to Lincoln as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Hastings vs Lincoln?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov