Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Ridgeland, MS: $18.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Ridgeland, MS runs $18.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,462 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Ridgeland's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,672 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ridgeland, MS, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $18.97 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national average of $23.06 per hour. This disparity highlights the local market's dynamics where medical assistants often serve in various settings such as primary care offices, urgent care facilities, and specialty practices. Those entering the field can expect hourly wages to start around $15.86, while more experienced professionals might earn up to $22.56. Given these figures, part-time workers operating three days a week can still find themselves taking home a reasonable income, making it a suitable option for those balancing additional commitments. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect Ridgeland's specific economic conditions, including a cost of living index below the national average.
About the Ridgeland Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.86 | $126.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.05 | $136.38 |
| Median (P50) | $18.97 | $151.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.56 | $156.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.56 | $180.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ridgeland
Based on $18.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.97/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ridgeland, MS can expect to earn approximately $39,454 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,762. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ridgeland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ridgeland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $758.72 | $3,288 | $39,454 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $455.23 | $1,973 | $23,672 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $303.49 | $1,315 | $15,781 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Ridgeland) | $18.97 |
| 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 Ridgeland, MS earn a median of $39,462 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.72% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 4.00% below the Mississippi state average of $41,107.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.97/hr = $23,672/year (purchasing power: $27,622).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,454/year (purchasing power: $46,037).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Ridgeland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $12.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Ridgeland grew 31.3% from $13.76/hr (2019) to $18.07/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.91/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 Ridgeland 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 Ridgeland
Medical assistants working part-time in Ridgeland, such as those on a 3-day workweek, can expect their annual earnings to hover around $29,000, compared to a full-time salary. This amount offers a viable income for individuals pursuing flexible schedules or balancing education while working in healthcare. Per diem medical assistant pay in Ridgeland shows a broader range; many professionals bill $20 to $30 per hour, especially in specialty practices like dermatology or orthopedics, where higher rates of $25 to $38 per hour are common. Additionally, urgent care facilities may provide stipends that add $50 to $150 for 12-hour shifts, allowing for enhanced earnings potential. Variations in hourly rates also depend on the type of employer, with corporate occupational health clinics or federally qualified health centers providing a different value proposition that includes employee benefits, affecting overall compensation trade-offs. For those in negotiation settings, understanding the local market and emphasizing skills or experience can lead to improved hourly offers.
More salary data for Ridgeland, MS:
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 Ridgeland. 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 Ridgeland 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