Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $22.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Waukegan, IL runs $22.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,964 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,576 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, IL, the projected medical assistant hourly pay in 2026 is $22.10, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.06. This figure represents a competitive wage considering the variety of employment settings for medical assistants, including primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care facilities, and corporate healthcare environments. For part-time professionals working three days a week, around 24 hours, this translates to a take-home pay that can offer a stable income while allowing flexibility. The estimated hourly range for medical assistants varies significantly, starting at $17.04 for entry-level positions, reaching up to $29.79 per hour for those in more experienced roles or specialized practices. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, give a comprehensive look at what to expect in this field across different employer types in Waukegan.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.04 | $136.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.15 | $145.19 |
| Median (P50) | $22.10 | $176.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.70 | $189.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.79 | $238.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $22.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.10/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $45,960 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,515. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $883.85 | $3,830 | $45,960 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $530.31 | $2,298 | $27,576 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.54 | $1,532 | $18,384 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Waukegan) | $22.10 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Waukegan, IL earn a median of $45,964 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $45,918.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.10/hr = $27,576/year (purchasing power: $28,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,960/year (purchasing power: $47,333).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Waukegan grew 31.3% from $16.03/hr (2019) to $21.05/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.19/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Waukegan
Evaluating the financial landscape for part-time and per-diem medical assistants in Waukegan reveals intriguing earning potentials that differ markedly from full-time roles. A medical assistant working three days a week may take home around $27,507 annually, contrasted with full-time workers who can expect a significantly higher yearly income based on a 40-hour week. Per diem medical assistant pay in Waukegan often falls within a range of $20 to $30 per hour, with specialty practices such as dermatology and plastics offering rates between $25 and $38. Additionally, urgent care facilities often enhance earnings through stipends for longer shifts. When considering employment across various settings, medical assistants at primary care offices, urgent care chains, or specialty practices might find differing hourly rates, with trade-offs between higher wages and comprehensive benefits. Those negotiating hourly pay should consider not just the immediate wage, but also the potential for growth and stability based on their chosen employer, particularly given the expected 4.97% growth rate in the medical assistant field in the coming years.
More salary data for Waukegan, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Waukegan. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukegan is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov