Rockford vs Schaumburg: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Rockford, IL and Schaumburg, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Schaumburg, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,596▲ | $45,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.40▲ | $21.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,479▲ | $36,905 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,931▲ | $38,654 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,462▲ | $47,316 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,388 | $60,512▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Schaumburg.
The salary gap between Rockford and Schaumburg is $1,522 (3.38%). 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 Rockford spans $13,909,Schaumburg spans $23,607. Schaumburg 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, Rockford ($50,563 effective) pays 8.93% more than Schaumburg ($46,420 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Schaumburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,512)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Rockford grew 32.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Schaumburg over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$33,570 (2019) → $44,390 (2025)
Schaumburg, IL
$40,050 (2024) → $42,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Schaumburg, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Rockford or Schaumburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Schaumburg?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Schaumburg as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Rockford vs Schaumburg?
Related Comparisons
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