Burlington vs Des Moines: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Burlington, IA and Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, IA | Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,017 | $49,252▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.13 | $23.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,328▲ | $38,283 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,537 | $41,484▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,385 | $51,404▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,416 | $61,135▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,780▲ |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burlington.
The salary gap between Burlington and Des Moines is $3,235 (7.03%). Des Moines's median is +2.69% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $18,088,Des Moines spans $22,852. Des Moines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Des Moines ($53,709 effective) pays 5.51% more than Burlington ($50,904 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,135)
- ✓Larger job market (1,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,709)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Burlington grew 26.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Burlington, IA
$34,721 (2024) → $43,838 (2025)
Des Moines, IA
$37,120 (2019) → $46,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, IA
Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Burlington or Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Des Moines as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Burlington vs Des Moines?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov