Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Yankton, SD: $20.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Yankton, SD runs $20.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,783 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Yankton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,663 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yankton, South Dakota, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to be $20.56 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.06. This difference may influence part-time and per-diem medical assistants who typically work in primary care exam rooms, specialty practices, and urgent care facilities. With an hourly range from $17.26 for entry-level positions to $24.55 for experienced professionals, there is potential for growth as one gains skills and certifications. The hourly figures for medical assistants in Yankton, gathered from annual salary data, indicate that these professionals can chart a career path in healthcare, but must also consider the local market dynamics, alongside the need for flexibility in scheduling and work environments.
About the Yankton 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) | $17.26 | $138.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.70 | $141.58 |
| Median (P50) | $20.56 | $164.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.21 | $169.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.55 | $196.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yankton
Based on $20.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.56/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yankton, SD can expect to earn approximately $42,772 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,676. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Yankton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yankton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $822.54 | $3,564 | $42,772 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $493.53 | $2,139 | $25,663 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $329.02 | $1,426 | $17,109 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Yankton) | $20.56 |
| 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 Yankton, SD earn a median of $42,783 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $44,519.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.56/hr = $25,663/year (purchasing power: $27,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,772/year (purchasing power: $46,091).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Yankton grew 31.3% from $14.92/hr (2019) to $19.59/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.59/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 Yankton 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 Yankton
Exploring the earning potential for part-time medical assistants in Yankton reveals interesting insights. For those working three days a week, amounting to roughly 24 hours, annual earnings can provide a solid income while maintaining work-life balance. However, full-time positions will generally provide more financial stability. Meanwhile, per diem medical assistant pay in Yankton can vary significantly, with rates typically ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, and specialization in fields such as dermatology or plastics can command even higher rates, ranging from $25 to $38 per hour. Urgent care facilities may offer additionally lucrative stipends of $50 to $150 per shift for 12-hour shifts, incentivizing candidates to consider hourly pay versus overall benefits. Primary care settings may pay less, which might prompt some medical assistants to choose higher hourly wages in exchange for the absence of health benefits. When negotiating positions, it’s advisable to assess the entire package, including job security and health insurance options, to make informed career choices in the evolving medical landscape of Yankton, SD.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Yankton in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Yankton?
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Related Pages
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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 Yankton. 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 Yankton 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