Springfield vs Waukegan: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Springfield, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,383▲ | $45,964 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.78▲ | $22.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,130▲ | $35,445 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,907▲ | $37,741 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,357▲ | $49,301 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,071 | $61,956▲ |
| Total Employed | 790▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Springfield and Waukegan is $1,419 (3.09%). Springfield's median is -1.21% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $9,941,Waukegan spans $26,511. Waukegan 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, Springfield ($51,090 effective) pays 7.93% more than Waukegan ($47,337 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,383/year)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,090)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,956)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Springfield grew 33.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$33,880 (2019) → $45,140 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$40,841 (2024) → $43,788 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Springfield or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Waukegan as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Springfield vs Waukegan?
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