How to Become a Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Iowa
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Iowa earn a median salary of $39,240/year, which is 12% below the national average. Iowa has a state income tax of ~4.6%. After taxes and rent, a medical secretaries and administrative assistants takes home approximately $1,234/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a medical secretaries and administrative assistants can afford in Iowa
Becoming a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Iowa
Meet education requirements
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in Iowa typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Iowa. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many medical secretaries and administrative assistants positions in Iowa require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Iowa licensure or certification
Iowa may require specific licensing or professional certification for medical secretaries and administrative assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Iowa Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Iowa
Iowa employs 10,150 medical secretaries and administrative assistants. The highest concentrations are in Iowa City and Des Moines-West Des Moines.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary by metro area in Iowa
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City | $49K | $23.42/hr | 1,250 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | $40K | $19.45/hr | 2,120 |
| Cedar Rapids | $39K | $18.84/hr | 940 |
| Ames | $39K | $18.73/hr | 420 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | $39K | $18.67/hr | 970 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | $39K | $18.65/hr | 630 |
| Dubuque | $38K | $18.42/hr | 420 |
| Sioux City | $38K | $18.42/hr | 390 |
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary range in Iowa
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical secretaries and administrative assistants make in Iowa?▼
The median medical secretaries and administrative assistants salary in Iowa is $39,240 per year ($18.87/hr). This is 12% below the national median of $44,640. Salaries range from $32,130 to $50,490.
What are the requirements to become a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Iowa?▼
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in Iowa typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Iowa may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Iowa licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a medical secretaries and administrative assistants afford to live in Iowa?▼
At the median salary of $39,240, a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Iowa would take home approximately $2,646/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 53.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Iowa?▼
The highest paying metro areas for medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Iowa are Iowa City ($48,710), Des Moines-West Des Moines ($40,450), Cedar Rapids ($39,180). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Iowa have state income tax for medical secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
Yes, Iowa has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.6%. On a $39,240 salary, this means roughly $1,811/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.