Oswego vs Peoria: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Oswego, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oswego, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,203 | $46,901▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.26 | $22.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,236 | $38,650▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,537 | $40,308▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,376 | $48,696▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,189▲ | $50,742 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oswego.
The salary gap between Oswego and Peoria is $2,698 (6.10%). Peoria's median is -2.21% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oswego spans $18,953,Peoria spans $12,092. Oswego 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, Peoria ($51,409 effective) pays 12.93% more than Oswego ($45,523 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oswego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,189)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,901/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,409)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Oswego grew 7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.4% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Oswego, IL
$39,275 (2024) → $42,110 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$31,600 (2019) → $44,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oswego, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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