Average Medical Assistants Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, Medical Assistants earn an average annual salary of $45,930, which is slightly above the national average of $44,590. This localized pay reflects the specific economic conditions and demand within the Des Moines metropolitan area, influencing compensation for healthcare support roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $45,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $55,280.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a local workforce of 1,410 Medical Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated but still present demand for skilled professionals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+3.0%above the national average.
$22.1
$883
$3,828
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Medical Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines have experienced steady growth, mirroring broader trends in the healthcare industry and inflation adjustments. This upward trajectory is typical for essential roles within growing metropolitan areas.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Career progression for Medical Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Medical Assistants with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command significantly higher salaries, with percentile gaps illustrating this career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $36,400 | $17.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $34,448 | $16.6 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $45,700 | $22 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $57,413 | $27.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $55,280 | $26.6 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$45,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$45,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $45,930 in Des Moines-West Des Moines aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Assistant's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering stable financial footing without significant cost-of-living pressures.
Job Market Context
1,410
Total Jobs
3.469
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 0.67x the national average concentration of Medical Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.67 indicates that Medical Assistants are less concentrated in Des Moines-West Des Moines compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Medical Assistants Salary | $43,880↓ 4% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $40,570↓ 12% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $40,610↓ 12% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $40,580↓ 12% | 37 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $40,840↓ 11% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $45,930. This typically ranges from $36,400 for entry-level positions to $55,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 3.0% higher than the national median of $44,590.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Medical Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn slightly above the national average salary. Coupled with a cost of living at the national average, this makes the area financially stable for the profession.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($43,880) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Des Moines Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $45,930, which is higher than the national average of $44,590.
What is the cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines for Medical Assistants?
The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines is at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary of $45,930 has average purchasing power.
Is there high demand for Medical Assistants in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
With 3.469 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.67, the demand is present but less concentrated than the national average, indicating a balanced job market.
How many Medical Assistants work in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
There are approximately 1,410 Medical Assistants employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,410 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 3.469 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Medical Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA