Ankeny vs Cedar Rapids: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Ankeny, IA and Cedar Rapids, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,574 | $48,790▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.39 | $23.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,412 | $39,647▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,364 | $42,712▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,149▲ | $50,428 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,572▲ | $61,187 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ankeny.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Cedar Rapids is $2,216 (4.76%). Cedar Rapids's median is +1.73% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $24,160,Cedar Rapids spans $21,540. Ankeny has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($54,843 effective) pays 6.45% more than Ankeny ($51,520 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,572)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,790/year)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,843)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Ankeny grew 26.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Cedar Rapids over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$35,141 (2024) → $44,369 (2025)
Cedar Rapids, IA
$37,340 (2019) → $46,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Ankeny or Cedar Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ankeny and Cedar Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ankeny to Cedar Rapids as a medical assistant?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov