Medical Assistant Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $44,372 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Des Plaines, IL earns a median $44,372/year (≈ $21.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Des Plaines's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $45,697 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical assistant salary in Des Plaines, Illinois, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $44,372, which reflects a notable discrepancy when compared to the national median of $47,961. The local salary spectrum varies between $35,279 at the lower end (P10) and $56,701 at the upper end (P90), suggesting significant earning potential depending on the practice setting and experience level. These figures are drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, incorporating regional cost adjustments which are particularly relevant in a market like Des Plaines, where the demand for medical assistants is rising. The premium for specialized practices, such as dermatology or orthopedics, is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the disparity in compensation across different healthcare settings within the city.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,279 | $16.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,259 | $17.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,372 | $21.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,418 | $22.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,701 | $27.26 |
Median Salary Position
7.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
In Des Plaines, IL, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,422 (2026 est.). At $44,372, the local median is 7.48% below the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Plaines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Plaines Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Des Plaines median: $44,372/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Plaines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $45,886 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | -7.48% less |
Medical Assistants in Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $44,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $45,886.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Plaines has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Plaines, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical assistant earning $44,372 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,697 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,196
2025 BLS Actual
$42,271
2026 Current Est.
$44,372
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,196 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,406 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,857 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,426 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,271 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,372 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,577 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $32,196 (2019) to $42,271 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,577 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,381 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,279 – $36,259 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,259 – $44,372 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,372 – $47,418 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,418 – $56,701 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Des Plaines
The local job market features a modest pool of 12 medical assistants currently employed in Des Plaines, reflecting steady demand but also an opportunity to influence pay rates through negotiation skills and specialization. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, residents can enjoy a lower cost structure compared to many other regions, enhancing take-home pay. Employers such as specialty practices in dermatology and orthopedics typically offer the highest salaries, often above the local median due to the specific skills required. Pay variances are influenced by factors like bilingual capabilities, additional certifications (like phlebotomy or EKG), and experience level. For prospective medical assistants looking to maximize their earning potential, targeting specialty fields, obtaining relevant certifications, and potentially gravitating towards urgent care settings will be critical strategies in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $42,271 for medical assistantsin the Des Plaines metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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