Medical Assistant Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a medical assistant make in Iowa? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $43,670/yr ($21.00/hr), with around 5,260 people working in this field statewide.
Medical Assistant salaries in Iowa are above the national average by approximately $637. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean medical assistants in Iowa enjoy reliable job security.
Iowa Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Iowa after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Iowa Medical Assistant Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $43,670.
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — Iowa
Medical Assistant Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datamedical assistants pay in Iowa has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the medical assistant workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's healthcare and physician offices.
Medical Assistant Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $48,450 | $23.29 | +10.9% | 1,840 |
| Cedar Rapids | $46,300 | $22.26 | +6.0% | 1,472 |
| Davenport | $45,000 | $21.63 | +3.0% | 946 |
| Sioux City | $41,900 | $20.14 | -4.1% | 473 |
| Iowa City | $39,750 | $19.11 | -9.0% | 315 |
| Waterloo | $38,000 | $18.27 | -13.0% | 210 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest medical assistant salaries in Iowa at $48,450/yr — +10.9% above the state average.
Iowa vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Iowa sits in the mid-range for medical assistants.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for medical assistants in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean medical assistants in Iowa enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in Iowa typically adds $35,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays medical assistants $48,450/yr — +10.9% above the Iowa average. Simply relocating within Iowa can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Medical Assistants who specialise in healthcare and physician offices typically command premium rates in Iowa. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays medical assistants $49,380/yr — 13.1% vs Iowa.
Find Medical Assistant Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current medical assistant job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs — Des Moines, IA→