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Medical Administrative Assistant Salary in the US by State
CMAA vs. Medical Administrative Assistants
- In the United States, Certified Medical Administrative Assistants earn higher average wages than those who are not certified.
- Most employers prefer certified candidates who have completed a training program and passed a certification exam
- Most employers prefer Certified Medical Administrative Assistants who have completed training and passed a certification exam
- Most employers prefer Certified Medical Administrative Assistants, who have completed a training program and passed a certification exam
Medical Administrative Assistant Salary by Years of Experience
The chart below shows how salaries typically change, from beginners to experienced professionals.
$22
$28
$24
Highest Paying Medical Administrative Assistant Specializations in the US
Job Openings
Learn More About Medical Administrative Assistant Salaries
How do you start a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant in Iowa?
Starting a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant in Iowa is straightforward and can be achieved in just a few steps:
- Meet the Basic Requirements: You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to qualify for most entry-level positions.
- Complete a Training Program (Optional but recommended): Enroll in a certificate, diploma, or associate program to learn skills like scheduling, billing, insurance processing, and electronic health records (EHR). Iowa offers in-person options as well as flexible online programs.
- Earn Certification (Optional but preferred): While not required in Iowa, certification can improve job prospects and salary potential. Popular options include Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA).
- Apply for Jobs: Look for openings in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, insurance companies, and major health systems like Great River Health, MercyOne, UI Health Care, and UnityPoint Health.
Learn more: How to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant
How do you increase your salary as a Medical Administrative Assistant in Iowa?
To boost your earnings as a Medical Administrative Assistant in Iowa, consider earning a professional certification like Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). Certified assistants typically make 10–15% more. You can also increase your salary by gaining experience, learning specialized skills such as medical billing, coding, or electronic health records (EHR) management, and working in larger healthcare facilities or higher-paying cities like Iowa City.
Learn more: Medical Administrative Assistant Salary: How Much They Make Hourly & Annually
What is the career path for a Medical Administrative Assistant in Iowa?
Medical Administrative Assistants in Iowa typically start in entry-level front-office roles at clinics, hospitals, or private practices. With experience and additional training, you can move into higher-paying positions, such as:
- Senior Medical Administrative Assistant: Handle complex scheduling, billing, and office management.
- Medical Office Manager / Practice Manager: Oversee staff, budgets, and daily operations.
- Health Information Specialist: Focus on managing patient records and electronic health systems.
- Medical Billing & Coding Specialist: Specialize in insurance claims and reimbursement processes.
- Healthcare Administrator: With further education (e.g., associate or bachelor’s degree), manage larger healthcare facilities or departments.
Tip: Earning certifications like Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or pursuing an associate degree in health administration can accelerate your career growth and increase earning potential.
Learn more: What is a Medical Administrative Assistant? Guide to Duties, Salary, & More
Online Medical Administrative Assistant Program
Become a Medical Administrative Assistant
Spots are limited. We accept qualified applicants on a first come, first served basis.
3-Month Course | 100% Online Classes
Prep for your National NHA CMAA Certification
No Clinical Hours Required
1:1 Support from Enrollment to Employment
