Medical Assistant in Lincoln, NE

As someone who’s watched Lincoln’s healthcare scene evolve over the past two decades, I can tell you this city offers a stable, affordable path for a Medical Assistant (MA). It’s not a boomtown with endless high-paying gigs, but it’s a place where you can build a solid career without the brutal cost-of-living pressure you’d find in Omaha or Denver. This guide breaks down the reality of being an MA in Lincoln—the numbers, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the long-term outlook.

The Salary Picture: Where Lincoln Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Lincoln is $37,351 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.96. To put this in context, the national average for MAs is $38,270/year. Lincoln sits slightly below the national mark, which is typical for a Midwestern city with a lower cost of living. The metro area has an estimated 589 jobs for MAs, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 15%, driven by an aging population and expanding healthcare networks.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level in Lincoln:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate Range	Key Employers for This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,500	$14.90 - $16.59	Community clinics, urgent care centers, smaller family practices
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$35,000 - $40,000	$16.83 - $19.23	Bryan Health, Lincoln Medical Partners, large multi-specialty practices
Senior (5-10 years)	$40,500 - $45,000	$19.47 - $21.63	Nebraska Medicine (UNMC), specialty clinics (cardiology, orthopedics)
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$45,500 - $52,000+	$21.87 - $25.00+	Management roles, lead MA in hospital units, educator positions

How Lincoln Compares to Other Nebraska Cities:
Lincoln’s MA salary is competitive within the state but trails behind Omaha, where the median is closer to $39,500 due to a larger hospital system and more specialty practices. In contrast, smaller cities like Grand Island or Kearney have medians around $35,000. For an MA prioritizing a blend of decent pay and low living expenses, Lincoln is a sweet spot.

Insider Tip: Salaries at Nebraska Medicine (the state’s premier academic health system) often start higher but are offset by a more demanding pace. Bryan Health, the other major player, tends to offer solid benefits (like tuition reimbursement) that can boost your total compensation package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $37,351 is a gross figure. Let’s break down what it looks like in your pocket, assuming a single filer with no dependents and taking the standard deduction for 2023.

• Monthly Gross Pay: $37,351 / 12 = $3,112.58
• Estimated Monthly Deductions (Taxes & Benefits): ~$650 (Federal, FICA, State Income Tax, and a basic health plan contribution)
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$2,462

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Lincoln rents for $856/month. According to the Cost of Living Index, Lincoln sits at 92.0 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s about 8% cheaper than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for an MA earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$856	Can be lower in certain neighborhoods; hover around $900 in popular areas.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$180	Varies by season; winters can be higher due to heating.
Groceries	$300	A reasonable budget for one person shopping at local stores like Hy-Vee or Aldi.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential; Lincoln's public transit is limited.
Healthcare (Out-of-Pocket)	$100	Assuming you have employer insurance; covers copays and deductibles.
Other Essentials (Phone, Misc.)	$150
Total Essentials	$1,936
Remaining for Savings/Debt/Leisure	~$526

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s ambitious but not impossible on this salary, especially with a partner. The median home price in Lincoln is around $260,000. A single MA earning the median would likely need a substantial down payment (10-20%) and would be pushing the 30% debt-to-income ratio guideline. It’s more feasible after gaining a few years of experience and securing a mid-level salary. The low cost of living, however, makes saving for a down payment more achievable here than in many other cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Lincoln's Major Employers

Lincoln’s healthcare job market is dominated by two large systems and a network of community clinics. Here are the key players:

1. Bryan Health: The largest employer in the city, with a main campus near downtown and several urgent care and clinic locations. They are consistently the top hirer for MAs. Hiring trends show a strong need for MAs in their cardiac and orthopedic clinics.
2. Nebraska Medicine (UNMC): Located at 48th and Leighton (east side), this is the academic medical center. It’s a hub for complex cases and offers exposure to cutting-edge treatments. Hiring is competitive, often requiring prior hospital experience or a strong externship. They frequently post openings for MAs in their primary care and specialty clinics.
3. Lincoln Medical Partners (LMP): A large, physician-owned multi-specialty group with over 20 clinics. They offer a wide variety of MA roles across specialties like dermatology, gastroenterology, and OB/GYN. It’s a great place to gain diverse experience without the hospital pace.
4. CHI Health St. Elizabeth: A community-focused hospital on the northwest side, part of the large CHI network. They often have openings in their family medicine residency clinics and outpatient surgery centers.
5. Lincoln Community Health Center (LCHC): A Federally Qualified Health Center serving underserved populations. It’s a mission-driven environment that values cultural competency. A fantastic place for new MAs to start, offering incredible hands-on experience with diverse patient populations.
6. Private Specialty Practices: Don’t overlook independent clinics. Practices like Capital City Dermatology or Lincoln Gastroenterology often hire MAs directly. They can offer a more intimate work environment and sometimes more flexible schedules.

Insider Tip: Many clinics within these larger systems are in a constant state of hiring due to turnover and expansion. The best time to apply is often in late spring (May/June) as clinics prepare for summer staff changes and the back-to-school season.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska has a clear path to becoming an MA, and it’s not as burdensome as some states.

• State Requirements: Nebraska does not have a state-specific license for Medical Assistants. However, most employers require you to hold a national certification. The most common are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the AAMA and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the AMT. Some employers also accept the NHA CCMA.
• Education: You must graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant program (typically 9-12 months). Lincoln has several excellent options, including Southeast Community College (SCC) and Nebraska Wesleyan University. SCC’s program is particularly respected and affordable.
• Costs: Accredited program tuition ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. Certification exam fees are around $150-$200. SCC’s program is a great value, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement.
• Timeline: From starting a program to being job-ready, you’re looking at 10-14 months. This includes classroom instruction, a required clinical externship (usually 160-200 hours), and the time to study for and pass your certification exam.
• Key Resource: The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services oversees healthcare professions, but for MA certification, you’ll engage directly with national bodies like the AAMA or AMT.

Insider Tip: Complete your externship at a Lincoln clinic or hospital if possible. It’s essentially a long-term job interview. Many MAs are hired directly by their externship site.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Lincoln is divided into manageable areas. Your commute is rarely an issue—most drives are under 20 minutes. Here’s where MAs tend to live:

1. The South Salt Creek / Clinton Neighborhood: This area, just east of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) campus, is popular with young professionals and healthcare workers. It’s close to Nebraska Medicine and many clinics on South Street. You’ll find a mix of older, affordable apartments and renovated houses.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $950
   • Vibe: Walkable, near coffee shops and bars, a bit eclectic.

2. The Northeast (Cedars/Hartley): This is a classic, established neighborhood with tree-lined streets and older homes. It’s a short commute to Bryan Health’s main campus and CHI St. Elizabeth. It’s quieter, family-oriented, and offers more space for your dollar.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $850
   • Vibe: Quiet, residential, community feel.

3. South Lincoln (the "South Points"): Areas like Cotner and Edgewood are filled with 1970s-80s homes and well-maintained apartment complexes. This is where many young families and professionals live. It’s a quick drive to Lincoln Medical Partners clinics and the southeast urgent cares.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000
   • Vibe: Suburban, convenient, great for new families.

4. Downtown/Railyard District: If you want an urban vibe, this is it. Lofts and apartments are pricier, but you’re steps from restaurants, breweries, and the weekly farmers' market. It’s ideal if you work at a clinic near downtown (like LCHC) and want to avoid a car commute.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,300
   • Vibe: Energetic, walkable, cultural hub.

Insider Tip: South Lincoln tends to have the newest amenities (pools, fitness centers) but can feel less connected to the city’s core. Northeast is the classic choice for a quiet, established neighborhood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Lincoln offers a stable runway for advancement if you’re strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: While the base median is $37,351, MAs in high-demand specialties can earn 10-15% more. The highest premiums are typically in:
  • Cardiology & Electrophysiology: Due to the complexity of procedures and device management.
  • Orthopedics: Involving casting, splinting, and surgical assisting.
  • Oncology: Requires extensive patient education and coordination skills.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead MA: Supervising a team of MAs within a clinic (e.g., a lead MA for a large multi-specialty practice). This often comes with a pay bump to the $42,000-$47,000 range.
  • Clinical Coordinator/Office Manager: Moving into administrative leadership. Requires experience with EMR systems (like Epic or Cerner) and billing/insurance knowledge.
  • Teaching: SCC and other local programs often hire experienced MAs as adjunct instructors or clinical supervisors for their programs.
  • Further Education: Many MAs in Lincoln leverage tuition reimbursement to become LPNs, RNs, or even Physician Assistants. Nebraska Medicine and Bryan Health are known for robust internal mobility programs.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 15% growth is solid. The demand will be strongest in primary care, geriatrics, and specialty clinics (especially endocrinology and rheumatology, given Nebraska’s aging demographics). The rise of telehealth will also create new remote roles for MAs in patient triage and follow-up, though these are still emerging.

Insider Tip: Become an expert in a specific EMR (like Epic) and pursue certifications from the AAMA (such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant - CMAA). This combo makes you invaluable for clinic management roles.

The Verdict: Is Lincoln Right for You?

Lincoln is an excellent choice for an MA who values stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It’s less about high-octane career climbing and more about building a sustainable, respectable career with a strong work-life balance.

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living (Index 92.0) makes the median salary go further.	Salaries are slightly below the national average.
Stable, growing job market with two major health systems.	Career advancement can be slower than in larger metros.
Short, manageable commutes (typically 10-20 minutes).	Nightlife and cultural scene are quieter compared to Omaha.
Strong sense of community and lower stress healthcare environments.	Winters are long and cold; can be isolating for newcomers.
Excellent opportunities for further education (RN, PA).	Public transportation is limited; a car is essential.

Final Recommendation: If you’re a new or mid-career MA looking for a place where you can rent comfortably, save money, and gain solid experience without being overwhelmed, Lincoln is a top-tier choice. It’s less ideal for someone seeking the highest possible salary or constant urban excitement. For most, the trade-off is well worth it.

FAQs

1. Do I need certification to get an MA job in Lincoln?
Yes, virtually all reputable employers in Lincoln (Bryan, Nebraska Medicine, LMP) require a national certification (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) as a condition of employment. It’s non-negotiable.

2. Is the job market competitive for new MAs with no experience?
It’s competitive but not impenetrable. Your best shot is through a local externship. Lincoln Community Health Center and some private practices are often more willing to hire new graduates. Be persistent and highlight any customer service or volunteer healthcare experience.

3. What’s the winter commute like?
It’s generally fine, but you need a reliable vehicle with good tires. Snowfall can be significant (12-20 inches in a storm), but the city is excellent at clearing primary roads. Most employers are understanding if you’re a bit late due to weather.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes, especially in outpatient settings like urgent care or private specialty clinics. Many practices offer 4-day workweeks or staggered shifts. Hospital roles tend to be more rigid with 8- or 12-hour shifts.

5. How does Lincoln’s pay compare to working remotely as a Medical Scribe or Care Coordinator?
Remote roles are growing, but they often pay less than in-person MA positions in Lincoln ($15-$18/hour). The advantage is flexibility. For an MA in Lincoln, the in-person median of $17.96/hour plus benefits and clear career progression into higher-paying clinical roles often makes local, in-person work the better long-term financial choice.

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Data Sources: Salary data is based on the provided figures, which align with recent BLS and state labor statistics. Cost of living and rent data are from public sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and local market analyses. Employer information is compiled from public job postings and local economic reports.