Chicago vs Elgin: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Elgin, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Elgin, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,619▲ | $49,176 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.86▲ | $23.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,419 | $39,259▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,712▲ | $40,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,758 | $53,943▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,211 | $65,558▲ |
| Total Employed | 15,640▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elgin.
The salary gap between Chicago and Elgin is $443 (0.90%). Chicago's median is +3.46% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $21,792,Elgin spans $26,299. Elgin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elgin ($50,645 effective) pays 5.74% more than Chicago ($47,897 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,619/year)
- ✓Larger job market (15,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,558)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,645)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Chicago grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Elgin over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$36,360 (2019) → $47,270 (2025)
Elgin, IL
$40,822 (2024) → $46,848 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Chicago or Elgin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Elgin?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Elgin as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Chicago vs Elgin?
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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