Healthcare Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Medical Assistant Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median medical assistant salary in Iowa City, IA is $36,357 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$36,357
vs State Avg
+$2,297
vs National
$-1,913
Cost of Living
95%

Medical Assistant Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median medical assistant salary of $36,357, which is $2,297 above the Iowa state average of $34,060. Compared to the national median of $38,270, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for medical assistants in Iowa City spans from $27,930 at the 10th percentile to $49,400 at the 90th percentile — a $21,470 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,500, while senior medical assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,600. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $28,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,500
$-1,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,100
$-1,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $27,930
25th Percentile $31,540
Median (50th) $36,357
75th Percentile $42,560
90th Percentile $49,400

Medical Assistant Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$35,208
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$33,678
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$32,912
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$32,147
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Iowa City

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa 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 Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Medical Assistant Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open medical assistant positions in Iowa City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $36,357 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $27,930 (10th percentile) to $49,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,357, a medical assistant in Iowa City earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for medical assistant pay? ▼
Iowa City's median medical assistant salary of $36,357 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $34,060. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a medical assistant salary of $36,357 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant in Iowa City? ▼
Most medical assistant positions in Iowa City 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.