Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Benton, AR: $47,773 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Benton, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $47,773/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Benton's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $54,975 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the financial landscape for experienced medical assistants reveals a noteworthy earning potential in 2026. The top earners in this field can expect to reach impressive compensation levels, with a projected annual salary of $47,773. This is a significant jump from the median salary of $38,440, highlighting the experience premium for senior medical assistants who have honed their skills and expertise over the years. Gaining access to this upper echelon of pay often requires a combination of extensive experience, advanced certifications, and potentially cross-training in specialized areas. As professionals look to advance their careers, understanding how to position themselves within the Benton market can lead to pathways that capitalize on the highest compensation opportunities.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($33,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Benton earn between $40,534 and $47,773 per year (2026 est.). This $17,477 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Benton median of $38,440 sits 19.85% below the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Benton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $38,440 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,534 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $47,773 | $62,258 |
In Benton, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 24.28% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Benton
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $38,440 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Benton employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Benton command premium compensation, often reaching the $40,534–$47,773 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Benton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Benton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Assistants in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Benton
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBenton ranks #15 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $47,773).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Benton ($47,773) is 2.52% below the Arkansas average P90 ($49,009).
2019 BLS Actual
$37,385
2025 BLS Actual
$45,511
2026 Current Est.
$47,773
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,812 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,963 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,679 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,339 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,195 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,511 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,773 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,147 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Benton saw their compensation grow 21.7% from $37,385 in 2019 to $45,511 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.97% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $50,147 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Earnings in Benton
Specializations play a critical role in determining salary potential for senior medical assistants in Benton. For instance, those skilled in phlebotomy, EKG, and roles within dermatology or OB-GYN practices often command higher wages. Employers vary widely, with compensation greatly influenced by the type of organization. Specialty practices, particularly in fields like cardiology and orthopedics, frequently offer a premium, while urgent care chains and primary care offices may provide steadier roles with different benefits. Advancing into leadership positions, such as becoming a clinical operations supervisor or bridging into roles like an LPN or RN, can also significantly enhance earning capacity. Additionally, advanced credentials such as CMA, RMA, or CCMA certification, along with specialty training in phlebotomy, add further value. Non-salary benefits, including bilingual premiums and lead pay, also contribute to the overall compensation package for senior-level professionals in this dynamic healthcare market.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Benton in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Benton?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Benton?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Benton?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Benton?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Arkansas
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $45,511 for medical assistants in the Benton metro area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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