Chicago vs DeKalb: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and DeKalb, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | DeKalb, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,619▲ | $44,167 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.86▲ | $21.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,419▲ | $37,334 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,712▲ | $38,462 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,758▲ | $45,639 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,211▲ | $57,639 |
| Total Employed | 15,640▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to DeKalb.
The salary gap between Chicago and DeKalb is $5,452 (12.34%). Chicago's median is +3.46% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $21,792,DeKalb spans $20,305. Chicago 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, Chicago ($47,897 effective) pays 5.30% more than DeKalb ($45,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,619/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,211)
- ✓Larger job market (15,640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,897)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose DeKalb if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Chicago grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in DeKalb over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$36,360 (2019) → $47,270 (2025)
DeKalb, IL
$39,244 (2024) → $42,076 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
DeKalb, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Chicago or DeKalb?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and DeKalb?
Should I relocate from Chicago to DeKalb as a medical assistant?
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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