Healthcare Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Medical Assistant Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median medical assistant salary in Columbia, MO is $33,678 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$33,678
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,592
Cost of Living
88%

Medical Assistant Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median medical assistant salary of $33,678, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $33,678. Compared to the national median of $38,270, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $33,678 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,270 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for medical assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for medical assistants in Columbia spans from $25,872 at the 10th percentile to $45,760 at the 90th percentile — a $19,888 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior medical assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $42,240. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Medical Assistant Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $42,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $25,872
25th Percentile $29,216
Median (50th) $33,678
75th Percentile $39,424
90th Percentile $45,760

Medical Assistant Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$35,208
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$34,443
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$32,530
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$31,381
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Columbia

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Vital SignsPatient PrepMedical TerminologyEMR SystemsPhlebotomyScheduling

Job Outlook

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Medical Assistant Jobs in Columbia

Browse open medical assistant positions in Columbia, MO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Columbia

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in Columbia, Missouri is $33,678 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $25,872 (10th percentile) to $45,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,678, a medical assistant in Columbia earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for medical assistant pay? ▼
Columbia's median medical assistant salary of $33,678 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $33,678. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a medical assistant salary of $33,678 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant in Columbia? ▼
Most medical assistant positions in Columbia require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Vital Signs, Patient Prep, Medical Terminology, EMR Systems. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.