Peoria vs Urbana: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Peoria, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,901▲ | $40,926 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.55▲ | $19.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,650▲ | $34,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,308▲ | $35,855 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,696▲ | $44,034 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,742 | $52,303▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbana.
The salary gap between Peoria and Urbana is $5,975 (14.60%). 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,Urbana spans $17,417. Urbana 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 21.97% more than Urbana ($42,148 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 Urbana if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,303)
- ✓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 -1.1% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$31,600 (2019) → $44,680 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$39,415 (2024) → $38,988 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Peoria or Urbana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Urbana?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Urbana as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Peoria vs Urbana?
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