Medical Assistant salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$47,270/year
about $22.73 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $40,690 – $50,260
Half of medical assistants in the Chicago metro area earn more than $47,270 a year and half earn less. That's 3% higher than the national median of $45,690, and ranks #12 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $36,600 | $17.60 |
| 25th | $40,690 | $19.56 |
| Median (50th) | $47,270 | $22.73 |
| 75th | $50,260 | $24.16 |
| 90th (top earners) | $57,360 | $27.58 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a medical assistant job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $40,690 ($19.56/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $40,690 to $50,260 ($19.56 to $24.16/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $50,260 ($24.16/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Certification (such as CMA or RMA) can raise pay and open more roles, and some employers pay for it.
- Check whether the role is front office, back office or both, since mixed roles are often paid like single ones.
- Ask about guaranteed hours: some clinics cut hours on slow days.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Medical Assistants (SOC 31-9092). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.