How much does a medical assistant make in Des Moines?
$46,920a year
Median yearly pay for medical assistants in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area. That is $22.56 an hour or $3,910 a month.
- Hourly
- $22.56
- Vs. national median
- +3%
- Rank among cities
- 87 of 389
- Jobs in the area
- 1,780
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $36,470Median: $46,920Highest 10%: $58,240
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $36,470 | $17.53 | |
| 25th | $39,520 | $19.00 | |
| Median | $46,920 | $22.56 | |
| 75th | $48,970 | $23.54 | |
| 90th | $58,240 | $28.00 |
Other cities in Iowa
Median yearly pay for medical assistants.
| Omaha, NE | $48,010 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $46,480 |
| Ames, IA | $45,810 |
| Waterloo, IA | $45,660 |
| Sioux City, IA | $45,650 |
| Dubuque, IA | $44,730 |
| Davenport, IA | $44,700 |
| Iowa City, IA | $43,550 |
Related jobs in Des Moines
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Massage Therapist | $76,090 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $64,250 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,360 |
| Dental Assistant | $50,020 |
| Healthcare Support Worker | $46,310 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,020 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,490 |
| Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker | $37,560 |
| Orderly | $37,090 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical assistant make an hour in Des Moines?
The median hourly pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $22.56 ($46,920 a year).
Do medical assistants make more in Des Moines than the national average?
Yes: $46,920 against $45,690 nationally, 3% more.
How does Des Moines compare with the rest of Iowa?
The median in Iowa is $45,480, so Des Moines pays 3% more.
Where does Des Moines rank for medical assistant pay?
87 of 389 metro areas with data.
How much does a medical assistant make starting out in Des Moines?
The lowest-paid 10% make $36,470 or less a year; the top 10% make $58,240 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.