Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Zachary, LA: $16.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Zachary, LA runs $16.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,224 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Zachary's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical assistant hourly pay in Zachary, Louisiana, is projected to be $16.93, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $23.06. This wage may influence those seeking part-time or per-diem work within the healthcare environment, including primary care settings, urgent care facilities, and specialty clinics. For part-time medical assistants working three days a week, averaging 24 hours, this hourly pay translates into a take-home pay that might fall short compared to full-time positions. Furthermore, the hourly earnings range from $14.67 at the entry level (P10) to $21.29 for top earners (P90), indicating variability based on experience and specific employment settings. This tiered structure reflects the competitive landscape within medical assisting while highlighting the potential challenges for newly certified medical assistants in Zachary.
About the Zachary Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($34,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.67 | $117.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.97 | $119.75 |
| Median (P50) | $16.93 | $135.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.18 | $137.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $21.29 | $170.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Zachary
Based on $16.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.93/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Zachary, LA can expect to earn approximately $35,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,318. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Zachary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Zachary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $677.27 | $2,935 | $35,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $406.36 | $1,761 | $21,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $270.91 | $1,174 | $14,087 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Zachary) | $16.93 |
| 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 Zachary, LA earn a median of $35,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.56% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 7.00% below the Louisiana state average of $37,875.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.93/hr = $21,131/year (purchasing power: $23,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,218/year (purchasing power: $39,001).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$12.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Zachary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $12.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Zachary grew 31.3% from $12.29/hr (2019) to $16.13/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.77/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 Zachary 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 Zachary
Evaluating the financial outcome for part-time workers reveals that a medical assistant clocking 24 hours per week would earn approximately $26,630 annually. In contrast, per-diem medical assistants, especially in specialized settings like dermatology or plastic surgery, can command rates between $20 and $38 per hour, which enhances their earnings significantly. Urgent care facilities offer additional financial incentives, with some shifts including stipends that may add $50 to $150 on top of the base pay for 12-hour shifts. The hourly rates can differ based on the employer type; for instance, those working for primary care physicians may earn less than those employed by specialty practices or urgent care chains. Additionally, medical assistants must assess the trade-off between lower hourly wages and the benefits packages that some employers provide. Understanding the local market dynamics and employment types can empower aspiring medical assistants in Zachary to negotiate better pay and find roles that meet their financial and professional goals.
More salary data for Zachary, LA:
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
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 Zachary. 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 Zachary 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