Cedar Rapids vs Sioux City: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Sioux City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Sioux City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,790▲ | $47,919 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.46▲ | $23.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,647▲ | $38,587 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,712▲ | $41,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,428▲ | $49,934 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,187▲ | $57,419 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sioux City.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Sioux City is $871 (1.82%). 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,Sioux City spans $18,832. 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, Sioux City ($55,427 effective) pays 1.07% more than Cedar Rapids ($54,843 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)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,427)
- ✓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 37.9% growth in Sioux City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$37,340 (2019) → $46,480 (2025)
Sioux City, IA
$33,110 (2019) → $45,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Sioux City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Cedar Rapids or Sioux City?
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Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Sioux City as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Cedar Rapids vs Sioux City?
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