Wage Benchmark Overview
Median Annual Salary
$42,800$20.58 per hour · $3,567 monthlyRun the numbers on your own pay
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Take-Home Pay Explorer
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Wage Percentiles in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Official survey estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Full-time calculations assume standard 2,080 annual working hours.
| Earning Tier | Hourly Wage | Monthly Gross | Annual Gross | Est. Annual Net (IA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $17.69/hr | $3,067 | $36,800 | $31,002 |
| 25th Percentile | $18.85/hr | $3,267 | $39,200 | $32,839 |
| Median (50th Percentile)Metro Benchmark | $20.58/hr | $3,567 | $42,800 | $35,595 |
| 75th Percentile | $23.61/hr | $4,092 | $49,100 | $40,418 |
| 90th Percentile | $25.19/hr | $4,367 | $52,400 | $42,944 |
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
A dollar does not buy the same basket of goods everywhere. Compare how $$42,800 measures up against local economic conditions:
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Compare medical secretaries salaries statewide and examine overall earnings in Iowa:
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants Pay in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
What is the median salary for medical secretaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The official BLS median annual wage for medical secretaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $42,800, which equates to approximately $3,567 per month or $20.58 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year.
What is the hourly pay for medical secretaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median hourly wage for medical secretaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $20.58 per hour based on the BLS survey. One in ten earned less than $17.69/hour and one in ten earned more than $25.19/hour.
What is the pay range for medical secretaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
BLS wage estimates for medical secretaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA span from $36,800 at the 10th percentile to $39,200 at the 25th, $49,100 at the 75th, and $52,400 at the 90th. These are wage distribution points, not experience levels.
How much do medical secretaries take home after taxes in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
On a median gross salary of $42,800, an estimated $35,595 lands in net take-home pay per year ($1,369 biweekly) for a single filer claiming the standard deduction in Iowa in 2026. Total tax withholding equals $7,205 (an effective rate of 16.8%).
How much do medical secretaries make per month in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
On the median annual salary of $42,800, gross monthly income is $3,567. After federal, FICA, and Iowa state income taxes, estimated net take-home pay is $2,966 per month (or $1,369 every two weeks).
Is $42,800 a good salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
At $42,800, the median salary for medical secretaries is 49.8% of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA median household income ($85,890). According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the metropolitan price parity index is 91.7, making regional consumer goods and services 8.3% cheaper than the U.S. average.