Medical Assistant in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Iowa employs 5,990 medical assistants, with a statewide median of $45,480 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What Medical assistants Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $45,480 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $36,730
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $48,030
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $54,960
- Employed in Iowa
- 5,990
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $42,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for medical assistants in major Iowa markets:
- Omaha
- $48,010 (1,400 employed)
- Des Moines
- $46,920 (1,780 employed)
- Cedar Rapids
- $46,480 (510 employed)
- Waterloo
- $45,660 (390 employed)
- Davenport
- $44,700 (840 employed)
- Iowa City
- $43,550 (480 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa
Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,480 median stretches to roughly $51,800 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)
Iowa is projected to grow medical assistants employment +19.1%, faster than the +12.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 800 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Iowa License and Certification Requirements
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Iowa state license.
- Iowa does not license medical assistants.
- Complete a medical assistant program (certificate or associate).
- Earn CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) certification — preferred by most clinics and a common stepping stone into nursing.
Official requirements: No Iowa state license →
Training in Iowa
One of the fastest clinic-based entries. Certification and an externship placement are what get you hired.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:
- Des Moines Area Community College — Certificate
- Eastern Iowa Community College District — Certificate
- Ellsworth Community College — Certificate
- Hawkeye Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Medical assistants Work in Iowa
Real Iowa hospitals that employ medical assistants include:
- VA Hosp — Knoxville
- University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center — Iowa City
- Unitypoint Health - Des Moines Iowa Methodist Medi — Des Moines
- Mercyone Des Moines Medical Center — Des Moines
- St Lukes Hospital — Cedar Rapids
- Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center — Dubuque
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want the fastest entry into clinical healthcare and are comfortable with both patient care and administrative tasks.
Think twice if: A pay ceiling in the low-to-mid $40s and a broad scope of low-autonomy tasks sounds frustrating rather than engaging.
Why it's resilient: Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
First Steps
Look for accredited medical assistant programs at community colleges — many run 9–12 months and include an externship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Iowa?
The median wage for medical assistants in Iowa is $45,480 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $36,730, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $54,960. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Medical Assistant in Iowa?
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Iowa state license. Iowa does not license medical assistants.
Is being a Medical Assistant a good career in Iowa?
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
Which Iowa metros pay medical assistants the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Omaha leads at $48,010, followed by Des Moines ($46,920), Cedar Rapids ($46,480). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Medical Assistant in Iowa?
Real Iowa options include Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Ellsworth Community College. Most medical assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Medical Assistant a growing career in Iowa?
Iowa projects medical assistants employment to change +19.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 800 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Iowa state license (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Iowa wages · Iowa licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.