Medical Assistant Salary in Crystal Lake, IL: $43,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Crystal Lake, IL earns a median $43,707/year (≈ $21.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Crystal Lake's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $45,012 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, medical assistants in Crystal Lake, Illinois are projected to earn a median salary of $43,707, which reflects a competitive rate compared to other regions. The salary range for this occupation varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $36,201 and the highest 90% making up to $56,164. These estimates are derived from state-level data and regional adjustments in cost of living, emphasizing the unique market conditions in this area. Bilingual medical assistants, particularly those fluent in Spanish or Mandarin, may earn a premium, making this a favorable market for those with language skills. With a small workforce of nine medical assistants employed locally, the demand for qualified candidates remains steady, suggesting a healthy job outlook for aspiring professionals.
About the Crystal Lake Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,201 | $17.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,512 | $18.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,707 | $21.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,213 | $22.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,164 | $27.00 |
Median Salary Position
8.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Crystal Lake
In Crystal Lake, IL, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,963 (2026 est.). At $43,707, the local median is 8.87% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Crystal Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Crystal Lake Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Crystal Lake median: $43,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Crystal Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $45,911 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -8.87% less |
Medical Assistants in Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $43,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.87% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $45,911.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Crystal Lake has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Crystal Lake, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $43,707 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,012 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$31,714
2025 BLS Actual
$41,638
2026 Current Est.
$43,707
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,714 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,671 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,892 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,876 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,835 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,638 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,880 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Crystal Lake metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $31,714 (2019) to $41,638 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,880 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,166 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Crystal Lake 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,201 – $37,512 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,512 – $43,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,707 – $47,213 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,213 – $56,164 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Crystal Lake
The local job market for medical assistants in Crystal Lake shows promising trends, thanks to its diverse healthcare ecosystem which includes urgent care clinics, specialty practices, and primary care facilities. Despite the cost of living index being below the national average at 97.1, the pay structure for medical assistants can vary greatly based on the specific employer. Facilities specializing in dermatology or orthopedic practices tend to offer higher compensation, often exceeding standard wages seen in primary care offices. Additionally, candidates who possess certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, as well as those who are trained in specific skills such as phlebotomy or EKG, can command higher salaries. For those considering a career in this field, pursuing advanced certifications or seeking roles within specialty practices could substantially enhance earning potential in the local market.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $41,638 for medical assistantsin the Crystal Lake metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Crystal Lake 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