Medical Assistant Salary in Fort Dodge, IA: $43,991 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Fort Dodge, IA earns a median $43,991/year (≈ $21.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Fort Dodge's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $48,663 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, the projected median salary for a medical assistant in 2026 is set at $43,991. This figure represents a competitive option within the region, particularly when contrasted with the nationwide median of $47,961. The salary range for medical assistants in this area reflects market variability, with the lower 10th percentile earning about $37,161 and the 90th percentile reaching up to $52,735. Local estimates are informed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. With a diverse healthcare landscape, including primary care and specialty practices, medical assistants may find opportunities for higher pay, particularly if they possess bilingual skills or additional certifications.
About the Fort Dodge Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,161 | $17.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,071 | $18.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,991 | $21.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,545 | $22.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52,735 | $25.35 |
Median Salary Position
8.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Dodge
In Fort Dodge, IA, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $15,574 (2026 est.). At $43,991, the local median is 8.28% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fort Dodge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fort Dodge Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Fort Dodge median: $43,991/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Dodge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $47,920 | -8.20% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -8.28% less |
Medical Assistants in Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $43,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.28% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $47,920.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Dodge has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Dodge, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $43,991 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,663 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,919
2025 BLS Actual
$41,908
2026 Current Est.
$43,991
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,919 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,883 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,102 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,523 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,908 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,991 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,177 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Dodge metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $31,919 (2019) to $41,908 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,177 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,258 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Dodge 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $37,161 – $38,071 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,071 – $43,991 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,991 – $46,545 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,545 – $52,735 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Fort Dodge
Looking deeper into the local job market in Fort Dodge, there are currently only four medical assistants employed in the area. While this might seem limited, it indicates a niche market where competition may be less intense. The cost of living index stands at 90.4, which suggests that salaries might provide a relatively better purchasing power compared to larger urban areas. Employers like specialty practices, including orthopedics and dermatology, often offer higher compensation, occasionally supplemented by incentives for bilingual staff. The variation in medical assistant pay in Fort Dodge is largely driven by specialization and additional credentials, such as being certified in phlebotomy or EKG. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing such certifications and considering roles in higher-paying facilities, such as urgent care centers, may yield substantial financial rewards.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $41,908 for medical assistantsin the Fort Dodge metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fort Dodge 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