Medical Assistant salary in Ames, IA
Medical Assistants in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $45,810 a year ($22.02 an hour), based on BLS data for 180 workers.
Pay ranges from $37,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,340 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $45,690. Pay here is 1% higher than the Iowa statewide median of $45,480. There are 3.2 medical assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.61). The average (mean) salary is $44,580, close to the median.
Pay range for medical assistants in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $37,270 | $17.92 |
| 25th percentile | $38,300 | $18.42 |
| Median | $45,810 | $22.02 |
| 75th percentile | $48,100 | $23.13 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,340 | $24.20 |
| Average (mean) | $44,580 | $21.43 |
Half of medical assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,817.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,908.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,761.92 |
| Weekly | $880.96 |
| Hourly | $22.02 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $45,810 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Medical Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $48,010 | 1,400 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $46,920 | 1,780 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $46,480 | 510 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $45,660 | 390 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $45,650 | 280 |
| Dubuque, IA | $44,730 | 210 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $44,700 | 840 |
| Iowa City, IA | $43,550 | 480 |
Highest-paying states for medical assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $59,290 |
| Alaska | $52,560 |
| District of Columbia | $51,050 |
| Minnesota | $50,480 |
| Oregon | $50,410 |
| California | $49,660 |
| Massachusetts | $49,460 |
| Wisconsin | $48,680 |
| Hawaii | $48,410 |
| Colorado | $48,400 |
See Medical Assistant pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ames, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $49,140 | $23.63 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $38,300 | $18.41 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,240 | $18.39 |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,540 | $20.93 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $35,660 | $17.14 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $62,040 | $29.83 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Ames, IA
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9092. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical assistant make in Ames, IA?
The median salary for medical assistants in the Ames, IA metro area is $45,810 a year, or $22.02 an hour. Pay ranges from $37,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,340 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid medical assistants make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of medical assistants in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $50,340 a year. The top 25% earn $48,100 or more.
What is the starting pay for medical assistants in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $37,270 a year, and a quarter of medical assistants earn $38,300 or less.
How many medical assistants work in Ames, IA?
About 180 medical assistants are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.