Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $18.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in North Little Rock, AR runs $18.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,413 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,646 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Little Rock, Arkansas, the projected medical assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $18.95, which falls significantly lower than the national hourly median of $23.06. For professionals working part-time or in per-diem roles across various healthcare settings—such as primary care exam rooms, urgent care intake stations, and outpatient clinics—this hourly rate means that those on a typical schedule of three days per week can expect earnings that cater to flexibility but may not cover all living costs. The hourly rate spans from $15.25 for entry-level positions to $25.23 for seasoned practitioners or those working in high-demand areas, reflecting the market's fluctuations. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, giving a broad perspective on what medical assistants in North Little Rock may earn on an hourly basis.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.25 | $122.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.10 | $128.82 |
| Median (P50) | $18.95 | $151.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.87 | $166.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.23 | $201.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $18.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.95/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $39,410 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,737. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $757.88 | $3,284 | $39,410 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $454.73 | $1,970 | $23,646 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.15 | $1,314 | $15,764 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (North Little Rock) | $18.95 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $39,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.82% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 0.40% above the Arkansas state average of $39,256.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.95/hr = $23,646/year (purchasing power: $27,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,410/year (purchasing power: $45,351).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in North Little Rock grew 31.3% from $13.75/hr (2019) to $18.05/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.89/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in North Little Rock
Considering part-time work, a medical assistant scheduled for 24 hours weekly would take home an annual income less than their full-time counterparts, illustrating the trade-offs inherent in part-time employment. For per-diem medical assistants, the reality is quite different; many find opportunities that bill between $20 and $30 an hour, with specialty practices like dermatology and plastics offering even higher rates of $25 to $38 per hour, and urgent care centers sometimes providing stipends of $50 to $150 for 12-hour shifts. Moreover, employer types significantly influence hourly rates; medical assistants in primary care offices might earn lower rates due to budget constraints, while those in specialty practices and urgent care facilities can benefit from better compensation. This creates a clear decision-making path for job seekers in North Little Rock, where negotiating terms is essential. Prospective medical assistants should weigh the benefits of higher pay against health insurance options offered by employers, leading to a strategic approach in career development whether through the MA-to-LPN/RN bridge pathways or certification from AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in North Little Rock in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in North Little Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock 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