Elgin vs Springfield: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Elgin, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,176▲ | $47,383 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.64▲ | $22.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,259 | $40,130▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,640 | $40,907▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,943▲ | $49,357 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,558▲ | $50,071 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Elgin, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Elgin and Springfield is $1,793 (3.78%). Elgin's median is +2.53% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elgin spans $26,299,Springfield spans $9,941. Elgin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($51,090 effective) pays 0.88% more than Elgin ($50,645 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,176/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,558)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,090)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Elgin grew 14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$40,822 (2024) → $46,848 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$33,880 (2019) → $45,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Elgin or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elgin and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Elgin to Springfield as a medical assistant?
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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