Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Richmond, KY: $19.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Richmond, KY runs $19.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,635 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,380 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Richmond, Kentucky, medical assistants earn a median hourly rate of $19.53, which falls short when compared to the national median of $23.06 per hour. This hourly wage has significant implications for part-time and per-diem workers in various healthcare settings, including primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, and urgent care clinics. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the annual earnings can provide a modest living but may not be sufficient for those needing comprehensive healthcare coverage. The hourly pay range for medical assistants in Richmond stretches from $15.57 for entry-level positions to $23.79 for experienced practitioners, showcasing potential growth within the profession. It’s important to note that these figures are derived from projected data based on 2025 BLS figures.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($37,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.57 | $124.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.38 | $131.00 |
| Median (P50) | $19.53 | $156.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.72 | $165.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.79 | $190.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $19.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.53/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, KY can expect to earn approximately $40,633 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,442. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $781.40 | $3,386 | $40,633 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $468.84 | $2,032 | $24,380 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.56 | $1,354 | $16,253 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Richmond) | $19.53 |
| 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 Richmond, KY earn a median of $40,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.27% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 1.50% below the Kentucky state average of $41,254.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.53/hr = $24,380/year (purchasing power: $27,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,633/year (purchasing power: $45,501).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Richmond grew 31.3% from $14.17/hr (2019) to $18.61/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.51/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
For a medical assistant working part-time at Richmond, committing to a typical schedule of 24 hours per week could yield an annual take-home significantly less than that of a full-time employee. Per-diem medical assistant positions offer alternative earning potential, with rates typically ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, depending on the practice's specialty. In high-demand environments such as urgent care, 12-hour shifts can include additional stipends, reaching anywhere from $50 to $150 per shift beyond the base hourly wage. Moreover, different employer types also influence pay; those in specialty practices such as dermatology or plastic surgery may benefit from pay premiums of 20-40%. While some may opt for the stability of a lower hourly wage in exchange for health benefits, others may prefer higher pay without benefits, especially when aiming to transition to LPN or RN programs. Negotiation opportunities are present, especially for those with certification from organizations like AAMA or AMT, making understanding regional pay dynamics crucial for anyone entering this field in Richmond, KY.
More salary data for Richmond, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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