Healthcare Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Medical Assistant Salary in Kentucky

The median medical assistant salary in Kentucky is $33,295 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $38,270.

Median Salary
$33,295
vs National
$-4,975
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Medical Assistant Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for medical assistant compensation. Medical Assistant salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $33,295 per year, medical assistants in Kentucky earn $4,975 less than the national median of $38,270.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $33,295 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $38,270 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: medical assistants at the 10th percentile earn $25,578, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $45,240 — a $19,662 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $35,591.

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Kentucky and beyond.

Medical Assistant Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $26,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $41,760 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,060
$-4,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$41,760
$-6,240 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $33,295? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $25,578
25th Percentile $28,884
Median (50th) $33,295
75th Percentile $38,976
90th Percentile $45,240

Medical Assistant Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for medical assistants in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Kentucky

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Kentucky has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Vital SignsPatient PrepMedical TerminologyEMR SystemsPhlebotomyScheduling

Job Outlook in Kentucky

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Kentucky's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 743,500 other Medical Assistants.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Medical Assistant Roles in Kentucky?

Get matched with recruiters hiring medical assistants in Kentucky at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Kentucky? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in Kentucky is $33,295 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $25,578 (10th percentile) to $45,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,295, a medical assistant in Kentucky earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for medical assistants? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for medical assistant pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level medical assistants earn $26,100, while senior professionals earn $41,760.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for medical assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for medical assistants is Hawaii at $68,121. Kentucky's median of $33,295 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($33,295) and Kansas ($33,295).
What is the entry-level medical assistant salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level medical assistant in Kentucky earns approximately $26,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $33,060. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $41,760.
What city in Kentucky pays medical assistants the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for medical assistants, with a median salary of $35,591. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.