Healthcare Illinois (IL) Rank #23 of 50

Medical Assistant Salary in Illinois

The median medical assistant salary in Illinois is $37,122 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $38,270.

Median Salary
$37,122
vs National
$-1,148
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Medical Assistant Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)

Illinois ranks #23 out of 50 states for medical assistant compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for medical assistant pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $37,122 per year, medical assistants in Illinois earn $1,148 less than the national median of $38,270.

Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning medical assistant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Illinois is significant: medical assistants at the 10th percentile earn $28,518, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $50,440 — a $21,922 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $42,097.

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Illinois and beyond.

Medical Assistant Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $29,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,560 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,100
$-900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,860
$-1,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,560
$-1,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $28,518
25th Percentile $32,204
Median (50th) $37,122
75th Percentile $43,456
90th Percentile $50,440

Medical Assistant Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for medical assistants in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Illinois

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Vital SignsPatient PrepMedical TerminologyEMR SystemsPhlebotomyScheduling

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Illinois

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Illinois? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in Illinois is $37,122 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $28,518 (10th percentile) to $50,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,122, a medical assistant in Illinois earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for medical assistants? ▼
Illinois ranks #23 out of 50 states for medical assistant pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level medical assistants earn $29,100, while senior professionals earn $46,560.
How does Illinois compare to other states for medical assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for medical assistants is Hawaii at $68,121. Illinois's median of $37,122 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($37,887) and Arizona ($37,122).
What is the entry-level medical assistant salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level medical assistant in Illinois earns approximately $29,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $36,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $46,560.
What city in Illinois pays medical assistants the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for medical assistants, with a median salary of $42,097. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.