Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $38,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Ottumwa, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,723 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ottumwa's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,835 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,589) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for entry-level medical assistants in Ottumwa, Iowa, reflect both the city's local economic conditions and the evolving healthcare landscape. In 2026, new grads can expect to start around $38,723, which sets a foundation for their early careers. However, this starting pay sits below the Ottumwa median annual salary of $44,589, indicating that while entry-level positions provide valuable experience, they also present a financial gap that new graduates should anticipate as they build their skills. Over the first few years, the growth trajectory for entry-level roles is promising, with potential advancement from entry-level figures through to the $39,498 mark at the 25th percentile and aiming for the median salary as they gain more experience, skill, and responsibility in this healthcare field.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ottumwa
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
Entry-level medical assistants in Ottumwa, IA typically start between $38,723 and $39,498 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,950 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,589 — 7.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in Iowa of $6,000 represents just 15.49% of the starting medical assistant pay ($38,723/year) in Ottumwa. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP and ABHES-accredited medical assisting program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, private vocational) and program length.
MA, CMA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ottumwa
- 1Research the Ottumwa market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $38,723 to $39,498, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical assisting field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ottumwa, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Ottumwa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ottumwa's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in Ottumwa is $15,950 ( 41.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,723, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,673.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,422
2025 BLS Actual
$36,890
2026 Current Est.
$38,723
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,422 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,557 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,648 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Ottumwa, IA grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,422 in 2019 to $36,890 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,648. New graduates entering the Ottumwa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical assisting Career in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, numerous employers present opportunities for new graduates breaking into the medical assistant profession. Primary care offices and urgent care facilities typically have structured onboarding processes that welcome fresh talent. In contrast, specialty practices, such as dermatology or orthopedics, tend to prefer candidates with 1-2 years of experience, making initial positions in family medicine more suitable for newcomers. Credentials significantly influence earning potential, so obtaining a diploma or an associate’s degree from an accredited program, alongside certifications like CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT), is crucial for enhancing one’s starting medical assistant salary in Ottumwa. Additionally, with the MA workforce experiencing robust growth, pursuing continuing education and gaining experience in clinical settings can lead to salary increases during the first few years, helping new graduates bridge the initial pay gap as they advance in their careers in this thriving industry.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical assisting graduates. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ottumwa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov