If you’re considering a career in healthcare and want to work directly with patients, being a medical assistant could be a perfect fit.
A medical assistant’s job is never boring because no two days are the same. It’s a job that requires patience, quick thinking, tons of technical skills, and of course, compassion.
There’s more good news — the need for medical assistants is surging nationwide. Experts predict that the career will grow about 20% in the next ten years, far more than other occupations.
In the United States, the average annual salary for a medical assistant has a huge range of about $30,000/year to $44,000/year.
Where does Illinois rank according to that? Above-average! If you’re in Illinois, you are likely looking at salaries that are higher than most other states, with an average salary of about $37,000/year.
Now, let’s take a deeper look at a medical assistant salary in Illinois by city, to help you figure out if being a certified medical assistant is for you. Here are the top 10 Illinois cities for medical assistant pay!
10. Champaign
Coming in at #10 on our list is Champaign, Illinois at $34,441 a year for medical assistants. Compare this against the median salary in Champaign for all residents, which is $42,077.
Keep in mind that Champaign has a relatively low cost of living, with the average single-family house costing $205,000.
It’s the perfect mix of a suburban town and a small city!
 9. Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook’s average pay for a medical assistant comes in at 31,552/year. This city is known for being a great place to raise a family, with tons of recreational and family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Here, the average family income is $92,775/year while the median income for a single adult is $45,363 for those aged 25 and older.
8. Cicero
Cicero is the next on our list, paying medical assistants an average of about $31,745 per year. This town in Cook County has a lot of fun stories that follow it.
For one? The city is haunted. How cool is that?
Something to consider is that the median salary for medical assistants is barely higher than the others on our list thus far, but the average salary for other professions is much higher at $51,814 for single adults.
7. Joliet
Looking to live somewhere that’s a bit more bustling? Consider Joliet, Illinois! Joliet is the city with the third-highest population in Illinois with over 150,000 residents.
Here, medical assistants can expect to earn about $31,985 per year.
J-Town (as the locals call it) is more fast-paced and busy that some of the more suburban towns on this list, so if that sounds like your speed, consider starting your CMA career here!
6. Arlington Heights
This city is significantly smaller than many of the other cities on this list thus far, as it has a population of about half of Joliet. It’s not technically a city, it’s a village!
Arlington Heights is one of the wealthiest cities in the midwest and here, medical assistants earn about $32,103 per year.
It also has a lower than average crime rate!
5. Morris
Morris, Illinois is a tiny town, with a population of about 15,000 people. Although the cost of living in Morris is relatively low (3.5% lower than the US average), the unemployment rate here is on the high end.
In the United States, the unemployment rate is about 6%. In Morris, it’s about 6.6%
Luckily, medical assistant careers seem to be on the rise, with no sign of declining.
The annual pay here for medical assistants rings in at $32,160 per year.
4. Westchester
Another village that makes our list is Westchester, Illinois. This village has another minuscule population of about 16,000 people. Here, the residents are wealthier than the average Illinois citizen. The average salary here is about $93,000.
At $32,312, a medical assistant would be on the lower end of salary for this town. However, for those who can afford it, Westchester has glowing reviews as an excellent place to live!
3. Lake Villa
With a name like Lake Villa, you can expect this town to be a beautiful place to live. And, you wouldn’t be disappointed!
Lake Villa is a quaint village with a population of about 8,000 people. This town would be great for those who are into small-town living, where you know the names of all of your neighbors.
One thing to consider is that Lake Villa doesn’t offer much in terms of diversity, as the population is 93% White Americans.
Paying medical assistants about $32,333 a year, Lake Villa is an impressive option for those looking to make a move.
2. Round Lake Beach
Another lakeside town, Round Lake Beach is known as an extremely tight-knit town. Residents report that there is a high level of a community atmosphere, as people genuinely care about each other’s safety.
This may be due to the town’s crime rates or gang activity.
Here, medical assistants can expect to make about $32,988 a year.
1. Chicago Heights
Finally, number 1 on the list of top-paying cities for medical assistants in Illinois is Chicago Heights! Chicago Heights pays medical assistants, on average, $34,441 per year.
“The Heights”, as the city is called, is known for having a very stratified community, with pockets of wealth and other pockets of lower-income housing.
If you’re looking to settle down in Chicago Heights, don’t be afraid to look around for the best neighborhood for you!
Now You Know the Medical Assistant Salary in Illinois
At the end of the day, you can see that the top 10 cities for medical assistant salary in Illinois do not vary much and that there is less than a 10% difference among these cities’ salary rates.
If you’re an Illinois resident or prospective Illinois resident and think that being a medical assistant is your calling, look no further!
Check out our website for more information on how to get certified as a medical assistant today!
Nancy L. Kimmel obtained her PhD in Environmental Engineering in 2002, then went on to teach Physics and Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University, Henry Ford College and Oakland University. She obtained her Associate in Nursing from Henry Ford College and then went on to earn her Master Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and became Board Certified working as a licensed FNP in the State of Michigan. She then went on to Medical School where she is now in her 3rd year, and is also in the process of obtaining her Doctorate in Nursing Practice through Chamberlin University. She has authored the NET Study Guide, as well a several books on subjects of Math, ECG/EKG and Phlebotomy. She holds a patent on an Air Filter through the U.S. Patent Office.