salary$46,920 a year$23 an hour · median pay in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$36,470per year
Top pay (top 10%)$58,240per year
Jobs in the area1,780people work this job
Can a medical assistant afford Des Moines?
Expensive. Rent of $1,266 a month takes 32.4% of the median medical assistant salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Medical Assistant pay in similar cities
Other jobs in Des Moines
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical assistant make in Des Moines, IA?
The median pay for a medical assistant in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area is $46,920 a year ($23 an hour). Most earn between $36,470 and $58,240.
Can a medical assistant afford to live in Des Moines?
Typical rent of $1,266 a month takes 32.4% of the median medical assistant salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area.