Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Joplin, MO: $18.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Joplin, MO runs $18.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,070 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Joplin's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,436 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Joplin, Missouri, medical assistants earn a median hourly rate of $18.78, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.06. This hourly pay influences part-time workers, particularly those working three days a week, as they typically earn around $1,505 monthly based on a 24-hour work schedule. Per-diem medical assistants, often found in primary care exam rooms or urgent care facilities, can expect to command rates that vary based on their experience and the setting, with an hourly range from $16.92 for entry-level positions to $22.41 for top earners in the field. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026 indicates that this pricing structure reflects the local demand and cost of living in Joplin, which is lower than the national average.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.92 | $135.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.84 | $142.76 |
| Median (P50) | $18.78 | $150.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.08 | $168.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.41 | $179.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joplin
Based on $18.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.78/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joplin, MO can expect to earn approximately $39,061 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,535. With a cost-of-living index of 85.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joplin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joplin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $751.17 | $3,255 | $39,061 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.70 | $1,953 | $23,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.47 | $1,302 | $15,624 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Joplin) | $18.78 |
| 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 Joplin, MO earn a median of $39,070 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.54% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 5.20% below the Missouri state average of $41,213.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.78/hr = $23,436/year (purchasing power: $27,341).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,061/year (purchasing power: $45,569).
CoL index: 85.718 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Joplin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Joplin grew 27.5% from $14.03/hr (2019) to $17.89/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.71/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 Joplin 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 Joplin
When considering overall earning potential, part-time medical assistants in Joplin may generate nearly $18,060 annually compared to a full-time worker earning about $39,070. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, typical billing rates for medical assistants range from $20 to $30 per hour, while specialty practices can offer rates as high as $25 to $38 per hour. Many urgent care facilities provide stipends for extended shifts, which can add another $50 to $150 per shift, enhancing overall earnings significantly. The pay structure often varies depending on employer type; for instance, primary care settings might offer lower hourly rates compared to specialty clinics and urgent care chains. Medical assistants must weigh the benefits of higher pay without health insurance against lower wages that come with full benefits. Practical negotiation for hourly rates is essential and may be better informed by localized knowledge about employer standards across Joplin, MO.
More salary data for Joplin, MO:
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 Joplin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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