Decatur vs Rockford: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Decatur, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,200 | $46,596▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.73 | $22.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,067▲ | $39,479 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,846▲ | $39,931 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,123▲ | $49,462 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,467 | $53,388▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Rockford is $1,396 (3.09%). 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 Decatur spans $11,400,Rockford spans $13,909. Rockford 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, Decatur ($51,118 effective) pays 1.10% more than Rockford ($50,563 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,118)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,596/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,388)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Decatur grew 40.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Decatur, IL
$30,620 (2019) → $43,060 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$33,570 (2019) → $44,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Decatur or Rockford?
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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