Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Dental Assistant Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median dental assistant salary in Chicago, IL is $46,336 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$46,336
vs State Avg
+$5,101
vs National
+$3,826
Cost of Living
107%

Dental Assistant Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level dental assistant earns around $33,790, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,220 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,790
+$2,790 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,870
+$3,870 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,220
+$5,220 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $32,700
25th Percentile $38,150
Median (50th) $46,336
75th Percentile $56,680
90th Percentile $65,400

Dental Assistant Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$46,761
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$41,235
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$36,984
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$35,708
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Dental Assistant in Chicago

Education

Most dental assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Chairside AssistingDental X-raysSterilizationPatient CareDental SoftwareCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental assistant employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Assistant Jobs in Chicago

Browse open dental assistant positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Assistant Salary in Chicago

How much does a Dental Assistant make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median dental assistant salary in Chicago, Illinois is $46,336 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $42,510. Salaries range from $32,700 (10th percentile) to $65,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Assistant make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,336, a dental assistant in Chicago earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for dental assistant pay? ▼
Chicago's median dental assistant salary of $46,336 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $41,235. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a dental assistant salary of $46,336 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental assistant in Chicago? ▼
Most dental assistant positions in Chicago require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Chairside Assisting, Dental X-rays, Sterilization, Patient Care. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.