Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Burlington, IA: $56,416 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $56,416/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $62,407 in average-cost America. The 23% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, senior medical assistants with extensive experience may command impressive salaries, particularly at the top end of the pay scale. Projections for 2026 indicate that top earners can expect a salary of around $56,416, significantly enhancing the median annual figure of $46,017. This difference illustrates the experience premium that can be achieved through specialization and advanced certifications. To reach these high compensation levels, experienced medical assistants often engage in continued education and certifications, thereby enhancing their skill sets and making themselves invaluable in diverse healthcare settings in Burlington.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $48,385 and $56,416 per year (2026 est.). This $18,088 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $46,017 sits 4.05% below the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $46,017 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,385 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $56,416 | $62,258 |
In Burlington, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 22.60% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $46,017 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $48,385–$56,416 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Assistants in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #16 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $56,416).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Burlington ($56,416) is 3.01% below the Iowa average P90 ($58,166).
2019 BLS Actual
$44,149
2025 BLS Actual
$53,745
2026 Current Est.
$56,416
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,834 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,858 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,181 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,903 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,745 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,416 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,220 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 21.7% from $44,149 in 2019 to $53,745 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.97% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $59,220 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Earnings in Burlington
In terms of compensation trends, several factors contribute to the top medical assistant salary in Burlington. Specialized roles such as those in phlebotomy, EKG cross-training, and positions supporting dermatology or OB-GYN practices often command higher pay due to their expertise. Moreover, salary variations can also be substantial based on the type of employer; for example, positions in specialty practices such as cardiology or orthopedics typically offer premium compensation compared to primary care settings. Advancing one's career to roles such as a lead medical assistant or clinical operations supervisor can further enhance earning potential. Acquiring certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA or AMT, as well as additional skills in bilingual communications, can effectively boost an individual's marketability and salary in the competitive healthcare environment of Burlington, IA.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Burlington?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Burlington?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Burlington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $53,745 for medical assistants in the Burlington metro area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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