Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,790▲ | $47,929 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.46▲ | $23.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,647▲ | $38,608 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,712▲ | $39,752 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,428▲ | $49,136 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,187▲ | $53,230 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo is $861 (1.80%). 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,Waterloo spans $14,622. 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, Waterloo ($55,055 effective) pays 0.39% 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 Waterloo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,055)
- ✓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 41.5% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$37,340 (2019) → $46,480 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$32,270 (2019) → $45,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Cedar Rapids or Waterloo?
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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