Healthcare Illinois (IL) Rank #23 of 50

Dental Assistant Salary in Illinois

The median dental assistant salary in Illinois is $41,235 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $42,510.

Median Salary
$41,235
vs National
$-1,275
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Dental Assistant Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $30,070, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,260 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,070
$-930 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,710
$-1,290 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,260
$-1,740 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $29,100
25th Percentile $33,950
Median (50th) $41,235
75th Percentile $50,440
90th Percentile $58,200

Dental Assistant Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for dental assistants in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Illinois

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Illinois

Browse open dental assistant positions in Illinois:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Illinois

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Illinois?
The median dental assistant salary in Illinois is $41,235 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $29,100 (10th percentile) to $58,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Illinois?
Based on the median annual salary of $41,235, a dental assistant in Illinois earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for dental assistants?
Illinois ranks #23 out of 50 states for dental assistant pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level dental assistants earn $30,070, while senior professionals earn $56,260.
How does Illinois compare to other states for dental assistant salary?
The highest paying state for dental assistants is Hawaii at $75,668. Illinois's median of $41,235 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($42,085) and Arizona ($41,235).
What is the entry-level dental assistant salary in Illinois?
An entry-level dental assistant in Illinois earns approximately $30,070 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $41,710. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $56,260.
What city in Illinois pays dental assistants the most?
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for dental assistants, with a median salary of $46,761. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.