Medical Assistant Salary in Murray, KY: $38,599 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Murray, KY earns a median $38,599/year (≈ $18.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $43,224 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for medical assistants in Murray, Kentucky, is projected to be $38,599, which illustrates a significant gap when compared to the national average of $47,961—reflecting a disparity of about 19.52%. The salary range for medical assistants in the area falls between $33,862 at the 10th percentile and $47,705 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide variance based on experience, specialization, and additional skills. With local data derived from BLS state-level inputs and regional cost adjustments, this compensation level highlights the importance of bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish or Mandarin, which can command higher pay in a diverse market like Murray. Understanding this context is essential for aspiring medical assistants looking to enter the workforce, as competition and skill diversity directly influence earning potential locally.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($37,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,862 | $16.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,539 | $16.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,599 | $18.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40,822 | $19.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47,705 | $22.94 |
Median Salary Position
19.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $13,843 (2026 est.). At $38,599, the local median is 19.52% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Murray median: $38,599/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $41,282 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -19.52% less |
Medical Assistants in Murray, KY earn a median of $38,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.52% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $41,282.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $38,599 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,224 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$28,007
2025 BLS Actual
$36,771
2026 Current Est.
$38,599
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28,007 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,852 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,801 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,903 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,599 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,517 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $28,007 (2019) to $36,771 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,517 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,510 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,862 – $34,539 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,539 – $38,599 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,599 – $40,822 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $40,822 – $47,705 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Murray
In Murray, there are only four medical assistants currently employed, suggesting a compact job market offering some unique challenges and benefits. The local cost-of-living index stands at 89.3, indicating lower living expenses compared to the national average, which allows for a more favorable take-home pay scenario for those working in the area. Employers such as urgent care facilities, specialty practices in dermatology and orthopedics, and hospital outpatient clinics are known to offer the highest salaries within the local landscape. Key factors that influence the variation between lower and higher wages include specialization in high-demand fields, bilingual capabilities, and specific certifications that expand job responsibilities. Medical assistants looking to enhance their pay in Murray should consider obtaining additional certifications, such as phlebotomy or EKG training, and exploring positions at corporate clinics or urgent care establishments where the demand for skilled assistants is continually increasing.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $36,771 for medical assistantsin the Murray metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Murray 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