Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Burlington, IA: $22.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Burlington, IA runs $22.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,017 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,615 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Burlington, Iowa, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected at $22.13, which is slightly below the national median of $23.06. This rate provides a substantial income for those working part-time—such as a typical three-day workweek—allowing for flexibility alongside various personal commitments. For per-diem workers, who often cover shifts in primary care exam rooms, urgent care intake stations, or specialty practices, financial opportunities remain appealing, typically billed between $18.42 and $27.12 per hour. The hourly rate reflects an entry-level starting point of around $18.42 to top earners making approximately $27.12, demonstrating the economic range within the profession as it navigates demand in a growing healthcare environment.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.42 | $147.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.01 | $152.08 |
| Median (P50) | $22.13 | $177.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.26 | $186.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.12 | $216.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $22.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.13/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, IA can expect to earn approximately $46,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,553. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $885.11 | $3,835 | $46,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $531.06 | $2,301 | $27,615 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $354.04 | $1,534 | $18,410 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Burlington) | $22.13 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Burlington, IA earn a median of $46,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.05% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $47,934.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.13/hr = $27,615/year (purchasing power: $30,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,026/year (purchasing power: $50,913).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Burlington grew 31.3% from $16.06/hr (2019) to $21.08/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Burlington
When considering sustained employment, part-time medical assistants in Burlington can anticipate annual earnings that reflect their weekly hours, taking home around $27,031 if working 24 hours weekly. Meanwhile, per-diem medical assistants command varying rates based on their specialization and agency affiliation. In specialized environments, such as dermatology or plastic surgery, per-diem rates can soar to between $25 and $38 per hour, while urgent care facilities may supplement base pay with additional stipends for longer shifts. Differences in compensation across various employer types also illustrate the trends in medical assistant hourly rates in Burlington. Those accepting positions with benefits might forego a higher hourly wage for the security of health insurance, which often aligns with varying compensation based on individual healthcare facilities. For those negotiating hourly rates, it's crucial to emphasize relevant certifications and experience, as these play a pivotal role in salary discussions, ensuring they secure the best possible rate in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Burlington in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Burlington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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