FREE TRAINING | $0 to start • No loans
4,200+ OPENINGS 8% Job Growth

Medical Assistant Jobs in Illinois

$42K median salary • Top employers hiring now

Illinois's healthcare industry employs over 680,000 workers in the nation's 6th-largest state. Chicago anchors one of America's premier healthcare markets with Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Advocate Aurora leading. The state ranks 30th in health outcomes with stark Chicago-downstate disparities. Academic medical centers cluster in Chicago's medical district—the largest concentration outside of Boston. Rural downstate Illinois faces significant healthcare access challenges. Illinois exports healthcare talent nationally while attracting international patients.

4,200+
Annual Jobs
$42K
Median Salary
8%
Job Growth
$0
To Train
Start Free Training View Top Employers
Medical Assistant Jobs in Illinois

Who This Training Is For

Ideal for candidates with prior MA clinical experience who need certification to validate their skills for Illinois employers.

New to healthcare? You're welcome to enroll, but be aware: if you have no prior clinical experience, you must complete a Self-Managed 100-Hour Externship on your own to satisfy the program's practical component and prepare for the certification exam.

Externship Disclaimer

EHired does NOT place, arrange, or supervise externships. All externships are self-managed. You are responsible for identifying and securing your own externship site.

Illinois Healthcare Industry

Understanding the IL healthcare job market:

Illinois's healthcare industry employs over 680,000 workers in the nation's 6th-largest state. Chicago anchors one of America's premier healthcare markets with Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Advocate Aurora leading. The state ranks 30th in health outcomes with stark Chicago-downstate disparities. Academic medical centers cluster in Chicago's medical district—the largest concentration outside of Boston. Rural downstate Illinois faces significant healthcare access challenges. Illinois exports healthcare talent nationally while attracting international patients.

680,000
Healthcare Workers
210
Hospitals
#30
Health Ranking
93.4%
Cost of Living

Medical Assistant Salary in Illinois

IL salary ranges by experience level:

Salary by Experience

Entry-Level
(0-1 years)
$34,000
Mid-Level
(2-4 years)
$42,000
Experienced
(5+ years)
$52,000

What Affects Your Salary

Chicago academic centers pay premium wages—Northwestern and Rush among highest nationally. Advocate Aurora offers competitive packages across extensive network. Union positions available at some facilities. Suburban practices pay well with better parking and commute. Downstate salaries lower but cost of living dramatically less. Bilingual Spanish adds $2,500-$4,000 in Chicago.

Top Medical Assistant Employers in Illinois

Illinois features world-renowned academic centers and extensive health networks:

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IL Job Market by Region

Where the jobs are in Illinois:

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Region Annual Openings % of State

Success Stories from Illinois

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago or downstate better for CMA careers?
Chicago offers highest wages, academic prestige, and most opportunities (70% of jobs). Downstate (Peoria, Springfield, Rockford) offers dramatically lower cost of living, less competition, and solid regional systems. Choose based on lifestyle preferences and career goals.
How valuable is bilingual Spanish in Illinois?
Extremely valuable in Chicago where 30%+ of residents speak Spanish. Adds $2,500-$4,000 to salary. Academic centers actively recruit bilingual CMAs. Suburban demand growing as Hispanic population expands. Less critical downstate but still an asset.
Which Chicago system has the most prestige?
Northwestern, Rush, and University of Chicago all offer world-class prestige with top-10 national rankings. UI Health provides state benefits with academic environment. Prestige choice depends on specific specialty interests. All open career doors.
What's the job outlook for CMAs in Illinois?
Illinois's CMA market grows at 8% annually with 4,200+ openings. Chicago's medical district ensures sustained demand. Advocate Aurora's expansion adds positions constantly. Strong outlook through 2034 across all regions.
Are there union CMA positions in Illinois?
Yes. Some Chicago-area hospitals have union representation for clinical staff. Union positions typically offer wage scales, job security, and defined benefits. Check specific employers for current union status.

Medical Assistant Certification in Nearby States

Indiana Wisconsin Missouri Iowa

Start Your Clinical Healthcare Career in Illinois

Illinois's healthcare industry employs over 680,000 workers in the nation's 6th-largest state. Chicago anchors one of America's premier healthcare markets with Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Advocate Aurora leading. The state ranks 30th in health outcomes with stark Chicago-downstate disparities. Academic medical centers cluster in Chicago's medical district—the largest concentration outside of Boston. Rural downstate Illinois faces significant healthcare access challenges. Illinois exports healthcare talent nationally while attracting international patients.

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