Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $20.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Pierre, SD runs $20.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,815 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,087 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to be $20.10 in 2026, which is significantly below the national median of $23.06. This compensation reflects the range for a profession that covers various settings, such as primary care exam rooms, urgent care facilities, and specialty practices. For part-time workers, specifically those who might work three days a week, this translates to around $20,000 in annual earnings when working approximately 24 hours a week. Newer medical assistants could see hourly wages starting at $16.08, while seasoned professionals in top-tier positions might earn as much as $25.01 per hour. These estimates provide insight into the income potential for MAs in the region, but it’s essential to remember that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.08 | $128.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.97 | $143.77 |
| Median (P50) | $20.10 | $160.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.36 | $170.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.01 | $200.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $20.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.10/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $41,812 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,122. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $804.07 | $3,484 | $41,812 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $482.44 | $2,091 | $25,087 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.63 | $1,394 | $16,725 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Pierre) | $20.10 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $41,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $44,484.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.10/hr = $25,087/year (purchasing power: $27,033).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,812/year (purchasing power: $45,056).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Pierre grew 31.3% from $14.59/hr (2019) to $19.15/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.10/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Considering the specifics of part-time and per-diem roles, medical assistants in Pierre have various earning potentials. Particularly for those working as per diem medical assistants, hourly rates can range widely. Many agencies offer pay between $20 and $30 per hour, with specialized roles in fields such as dermatology or plastics pushing rates closer to $38 per hour. Moreover, urgent care facilities may offer additional incentives, such as stipends that can add $50 to $150 per shift. Compensation can differ significantly based on the type of employer; hospitals and federally qualified health centers often have more established pay structures, while urgent care clinics and corporate occupational health settings may vary. Medical assistants need to evaluate the benefits offered versus higher hourly rates without health insurance, weighing their options carefully. For those seeking to negotiate their pay, understanding local salary trends can empower discussions, helping achieve a balance between immediate income and long-term benefits.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Pierre in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Pierre?
Are medical assistants in Pierre paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Pierre?
Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Pierre?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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