Average Medical Assistants Salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Medical Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earn an average annual salary of $43,090. This figure is slightly below the national average of $44,590, a common occurrence in regions with a balanced cost of living. Local economic factors and the specific demand within the healthcare sector of Waterloo-Cedar Falls contribute to this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,870.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Medical Assistants, Waterloo-Cedar Falls presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that while Medical Assistants are present, the concentration is slightly lower than the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand relative to the overall workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA earns-3.4%below the national average.
$20.7
$829
$3,591
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waterloo-Cedar Falls is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Medical Assistants, like many healthcare roles, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by increasing healthcare needs and a consistent demand for skilled support staff within medical facilities.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the pay range.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,720 | $17.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $32,318 | $15.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $44,830 | $21.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $53,863 | $25.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $46,870 | $22.5 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,090 in Waterloo-Cedar Falls aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Medical Assistant's salary in this area is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
4.042
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA has 0.79x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.79 for Medical Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive market for employers seeking to fill positions, but also a good opportunity for job seekers as the demand is present without being oversaturated.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids, IA Medical Assistants Salary | $44,240↑ 3% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $40,570↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $40,610↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $40,580↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Southwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Medical Assistants Salary | $40,840↓ 5% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is $43,090. This typically ranges from $35,720 for entry-level positions to $46,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 3.4% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative, but offers stable earning potential.The average salary of $43,090 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, providing comparable purchasing power.
Is Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cedar Rapids, IA ($44,240) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Medical Assistant salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Medical Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is $43,090, which is slightly lower than the national average of $44,590.
What is the Cost of Living in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The Cost of Living Index in Waterloo-Cedar Falls is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many Medical Assistants work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
There are approximately 350 Medical Assistants employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area.
Is there high demand for Medical Assistants in Waterloo-Cedar Falls?
The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests a moderate demand, slightly below the national concentration, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand for Medical Assistants in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA area with a job density of 4.042 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA