Crystal Lake vs Rockford: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Crystal Lake, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Crystal Lake, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,707 | $46,596▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.01 | $22.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,201 | $39,479▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,512 | $39,931▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,213 | $49,462▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,164▲ | $53,388 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Crystal Lake and Rockford is $2,889 (6.61%). Rockford's median is -2.85% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Crystal Lake spans $19,963,Rockford spans $13,909. Crystal Lake 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, Rockford ($50,563 effective) pays 12.33% more than Crystal Lake ($45,012 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,164)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,596/year)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,563)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Crystal Lake grew 7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Crystal Lake, IL
$38,835 (2024) → $41,638 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$33,570 (2019) → $44,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Crystal Lake, IL
Rockford, 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
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