Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Fort Dodge, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Fort Dodge, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,790▲ | $43,991 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.46▲ | $21.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,647▲ | $37,161 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,712▲ | $38,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,428▲ | $46,545 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,187▲ | $52,735 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Dodge.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge is $4,799 (10.91%). Cedar Rapids's median is +1.73% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $21,540,Fort Dodge spans $15,574. Cedar Rapids has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($54,843 effective) pays 12.70% more than Fort Dodge ($48,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,790/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,187)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,843)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Dodge if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 24.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.3% growth in Fort Dodge over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$37,340 (2019) → $46,480 (2025)
Fort Dodge, IA
$33,192 (2024) → $41,908 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Fort Dodge, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Cedar Rapids or Fort Dodge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Fort Dodge?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Fort Dodge as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Cedar Rapids vs Fort Dodge?
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