Des Moines vs Johnston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Des Moines, IA and Johnston, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | Johnston, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,252▲ | $44,481 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.68▲ | $21.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,283 | $38,447▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,484▲ | $39,217 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,404▲ | $47,661 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,135▲ | $55,758 |
| Total Employed | 1,780▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.
The salary gap between Des Moines and Johnston is $4,771 (10.73%). 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 Des Moines spans $22,852,Johnston spans $17,311. Des Moines 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, Des Moines ($53,709 effective) pays 9.16% more than Johnston ($49,205 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Johnston if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Des Moines grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.3% growth in Johnston over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$37,120 (2019) → $46,920 (2025)
Johnston, IA
$33,562 (2024) → $42,375 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
Johnston, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Des Moines or Johnston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and Johnston?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to Johnston as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Des Moines vs Johnston?
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