Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Iowa City, IA: $21.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Iowa City, IA runs $21.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,714 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Iowa City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,432 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Iowa City, Iowa, the medical assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $21.98, which is slightly below the national average of $23.06. This wage varies significantly within the local job market; entry-level positions may start around $19.78 per hour, while experienced medical assistants can earn as much as $29.81. Such rates make this profession an attractive option not only for full-time employees but also for part-time and per-diem workers. In environments like primary care exam rooms, urgent care intake stations, and specialty practice procedure rooms, those working three days a week can find a comfortable balance. With the current demand for medical assistants, those considering part-time or temporary roles may find viable opportunities that match their scheduling needs while still providing a reasonable income.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.78 | $158.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.75 | $166.02 |
| Median (P50) | $21.98 | $175.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.69 | $205.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.81 | $238.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Iowa City
Based on $21.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.98/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Iowa City, IA can expect to earn approximately $45,720 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,377. With a cost-of-living index of 91.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Iowa City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Iowa City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $879.23 | $3,810 | $45,720 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $527.54 | $2,286 | $27,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $351.69 | $1,524 | $18,288 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Iowa City) | $21.98 |
| 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 Iowa City, IA earn a median of $45,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.69% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 4.60% below the Iowa state average of $47,919.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.98/hr = $27,432/year (purchasing power: $29,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,720/year (purchasing power: $49,962).
CoL index: 91.509 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+16.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Iowa City grew 5.7% from $19.82/hr (2019) to $20.94/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.07/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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City
For those contemplating part-time work, such as a medical assistant putting in 24 hours a week, the annual take-home could amount to around $27,000, which is significantly lower than a full-time colleague. Moreover, the per diem medical assistant pay in Iowa City can vary widely, with typical billing rates between $20 and $30 per hour. Specialties such as dermatology or plastics may increase this figure, reaching rates of $25 to $38 per hour. Employers, including urgent care facilities and corporate occupational health clinics, often provide different pay structures; while some may offer higher hourly rates, they might not include benefits like health insurance. This trade-off can lead many to accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for more stable benefits. Negotiation is key in this environment; familiarity with local pay scales and specialty premiums can empower medical assistants during discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Iowa City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Iowa City 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 Iowa City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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