Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $18.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Columbia, TN runs $18.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,760 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,253 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Tennessee, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $18.63 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $23.06. This hourly rate is indicative of the region's cost of living, which is below the national average at 91.8. For part-time medical assistants working three days a week, this translates to a gross income of approximately $28,557, providing a viable option for those needing flexible hours, especially in environments such as primary care exam rooms, urgent care centers, and specialty practices. Entry-level positions might start around $14.60, while experienced professionals in high-demand specialties can earn up to $24.07 per hour, reflecting a competitive compensation landscape despite overall lower pay compared to national figures.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($37,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.60 | $116.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.38 | $123.02 |
| Median (P50) | $18.63 | $149.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.26 | $162.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.07 | $192.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $18.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.63/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $38,755 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,359. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $745.29 | $3,230 | $38,755 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $447.17 | $1,938 | $23,253 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.11 | $1,292 | $15,502 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Columbia) | $18.63 |
| 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 Columbia, TN earn a median of $38,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.18% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $39,754.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.63/hr = $23,253/year (purchasing power: $25,330).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,755/year (purchasing power: $42,217).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $15.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Columbia grew 31.3% from $13.52/hr (2019) to $17.75/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.56/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Evaluating the broader context of medical assistant pay in Columbia suggests that part-time workers can find favorable arrangements, earning a proportionate amount even without full-time status. For example, those taking on per-diem roles might encounter pay rates ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialized practices offering even higher compensation; dermatology and plastic surgery clinics may pay between $25 and $38 per hour. Additionally, urgent care centers often provide substantial stipends for longer shifts, which can significantly boost take-home pay. Employers vary in pay scales, with FQHCs and corporate clinics frequently offering steadier hours and benefits, which can lead to accepting lower hourly rates. Medical assistants in Columbia can also effectively negotiate pay by highlighting certification from recognized bodies like AAMA and AMT, as well as their relevant experience and specialties, maximizing their earning potential in this growing field.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Columbia in 2026?
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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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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