Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Galesburg, IL: $20.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Galesburg, IL runs $20.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,539 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Galesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,122 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galesburg, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for medical assistants is $20.93, which falls below the national median of $23.06. This rate provides a decent income for those engaged in part-time shifts or per-diem work, often found in environments such as primary care exam rooms, urgent care centers, and hospital outpatient clinics. Medical assistants in entry-level positions can expect to earn around $17.20 per hour, while more experienced individuals or specialists may see wages rise to as high as $26.75 per hour. Such figures are derived from annual salary estimates, allowing for an understanding of what medical assistants can earn in their respective work settings throughout Galesburg.
About the Galesburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.20 | $137.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.87 | $142.93 |
| Median (P50) | $20.93 | $167.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.52 | $180.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.75 | $213.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galesburg
Based on $20.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.93/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galesburg, IL can expect to earn approximately $43,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,117. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $837.24 | $3,628 | $43,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $502.34 | $2,177 | $26,122 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $334.90 | $1,451 | $17,415 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Galesburg) | $20.93 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Galesburg, IL earn a median of $43,539 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $45,879.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.93/hr = $26,122/year (purchasing power: $26,902).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,537/year (purchasing power: $44,837).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Galesburg grew 31.3% from $15.19/hr (2019) to $19.94/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.97/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galesburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Galesburg
Part-time medical assistants, typically working three days a week for a total of about 24 hours, will take home approximately $32,453 annually. In contrast, full-time counterparts earn significantly more, which can lead some to seek per-diem opportunities. Per diem medical assistant pay in Galesburg ranges from $20 to $30 per hour; in specialty practices like dermatology or plastic surgery, pay can increase to between $25 and $38 per hour. Urgent care shifts often come with extra stipends, making those hours especially lucrative. Variability in hourly rates also hinges on the type of employer, with urgent care facilities and specialty practices generally offering higher pay than primary care offices. Many medical assistants must weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with health insurance and job security against a higher hourly pay option without additional benefits. Negotiating effectively, particularly emphasizing skills and certifications from organizations like AAMA and NHA, can significantly improve pay outcomes for those in Galesburg.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Galesburg in 2026?
How much do part-time medical assistants make in Galesburg?
Are medical assistants in Galesburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical assistant make per year in Galesburg?
Do medical assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Galesburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Galesburg. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Galesburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov