Peoria vs Rockford: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Peoria, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,901▲ | $46,596 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.55▲ | $22.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,650 | $39,479▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,308▲ | $39,931 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,696 | $49,462▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,742 | $53,388▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 690 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Peoria and Rockford is $305 (0.65%). 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 Peoria spans $12,092,Rockford spans $13,909. Rockford 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, Peoria ($51,409 effective) pays 1.67% more than Rockford ($50,563 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,388)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Peoria grew 41.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$31,600 (2019) → $44,680 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$33,570 (2019) → $44,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Peoria or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Rockford as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Peoria vs Rockford?
Related Comparisons
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