Dental Assistant Salary in Illinois
Dental Assistants in Illinois earn an average of $48,892 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$48,892
per year
Hourly Rate
$23.51
per hour
vs National
+5.1%
$46,540 national
Salary Range
$32,373
to $70,391
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$48,892
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$51,465
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Dental Assistant's salary of $48,892 has the purchasing power of $51,465 in an average-cost area.
Dental Assistant Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $48,892 | $23.51/hr | $32,373 | $70,391 | 380 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Dental Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 380 Dental Assistants employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Dental Assistant Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$32,373
Starting salary for new Dental Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$48,892
Mid-career Dental Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$70,391
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Nurse Practitioner
$133,790
avg in IL
+$84,898 vs Dental Assistant
Registered Nurse
$98,374
avg in IL
+$49,482 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$92,372
avg in IL
+$43,480 vs Dental Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$61,320
avg in IL
+$12,428 vs Dental Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$40,175
avg in IL
-$8,717 vs Dental Assistant
Dental Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Dental Assistant salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Dental Assistant salary in Illinois?
The average Dental Assistant salary in Illinois is $48,892 per year ($23.51/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.1% above the national average of $46,540.
What is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Dental Assistants in Illinois, with a median salary of $48,892 per year.
What is the salary range for Dental Assistants in Illinois?
Dental Assistant salaries in Illinois range from $32,373 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $70,391 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $48,892 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Illinois. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.