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Medical Assistant Salary in West Des Moines, IA

How much does a medical assistant make in West Des Moines? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for West Des Moines's cost of living.

Median Salary
$35,700
per year in West Des Moines
Entry Level
$25,963
Starting salary
Senior Level
$48,218
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how medical assistant salaries break down across different pay periods in West Des Moines.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$25,963$35,700$48,218
Monthly$2,164$2,975$4,018
Biweekly$999$1,373$1,855
Weekly$499$687$927
Hourly$12$17$23

West Des Moines vs National Average

How West Des Moines's medical assistant salaries compare to national figures.

West Des Moines Salary
$35,700
COL Index: 96
National Average
$45,350
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,650
Lower in West Des Moines

Cost of Living in West Des Moines

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,000
per month
Median Income
$72,821
per year
Population
68,720
residents
Rent % of Income
16.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in West Des Moines have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Medical Assistant

Overview

Support physicians and nurses by performing clerical and clinical duties.

Education

High school diploma; certification preferred

Key Skills

Patient CareAdministrative SkillsMedical TerminologyVital Signs

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Medical Assistant Salary

See Medical Assistant salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$46,890
+31%
Los Angeles, CA
$46,000
+29%
Chicago, IL
$46,740
+31%
Houston, TX
$42,930
+20%
Phoenix, AZ
$46,090
+29%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Medical Assistant Salary in West Des Moines, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a medical assistant in West Des Moines, IA is $35,700 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering West Des Moines's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level medical assistant professionals in West Des Moines can expect to earn around $25,963 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level medical assistants earning approximately $48,218 per year. This represents a 86% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

West Des Moines's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in West Des Moines are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $45,350, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a medical assistant's salary in West Des Moines typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,000 per month, housing represents about 33.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Medical Assistants are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In West Des Moines, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.