Stats from a 2018 study by the University of Nebraska Medical Center have given medical assistants in Nebraska plenty to get excited about. The report found that in the last decade, the number of physicians in Nebraska increased by 11% and the number of nurse practitioners increased by 50%. More physicians and nurse practitioners naturally result in a greater demand for healthcare support professionals like medical assistants, who are valued for their ability to keep medical practices and clinics running smoothly.
According to the Nebraska Office of Labor Market Information, there were 3,100 medical assistants in the Cornhusker State in 2019; by 2021, this number is projected to increase to 3,240– an increase of 4.5% in a very short period of time. An average of 420 openings here annually means that you’re likely to land a job, whether you’re new to the profession or looking to advance through the ranks.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average, hourly wage of $16.23, or $33,760 annually for medical assistants in Nebraska as of 2019. The good news is that once you’ve earned a few years of experience and have shown a commitment to the profession by earning professional certification, you’ll be a prime candidate to earn some of the top wages in this profession which, as of 2019, was $23.33 an hour, or $48,520 annually.
Average Hourly Wages for Medical Assistants in Nebraska’s Metro Areas
While medical assistants in both Lincoln and Omaha earn similar hourly wages at the median level, those in the Omaha metro area earn more at the top of the pay scale.
The following BLS stats reveal the median – top 10% average, hourly wage range for medical assistants working in Nebraska’s largest metro areas:
- Lincoln: $17.53 – $23.33 (approximately 520 medical assistants)
- Omaha (greater metro area includes Council Bluffs, IA): $17.38 – $24.09 (approximately 1,370 medical assistants)
Average Salaries for Medical Assistants in Nebraska’s Metro Areas
BLS stats reveal the following salary range (median – top 10%) for medical assistants working in Nebraska’s largest metro areas:
- Lincoln: $36,450 – $48,530
- Omaha (greater metro area includes Council Bluffs, IA): $36,160 – $50,110
US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for medical assistants represents state data not school-specific information.
2019 job growth projections from the Nebraska Office of Labor Market Information are aggregated through the U.S. Department of Labor-Sponsored resource, Projections Central.
Conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and employment data accessed May 2020.