Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Dental Hygienist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median dental hygienist salary in Chicago, IL is $88,726 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$88,726
vs State Avg
+$9,768
vs National
+$7,326
Cost of Living
107%

Dental Hygienist Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median dental hygienist salary of $88,726, which is $9,768 above the Illinois state average of $78,958. Compared to the national median of $81,400, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Chicago spans from $63,438 at the 10th percentile to $117,938 at the 90th percentile — a $54,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,950, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,450. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $59,950, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,950
+$4,950 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,200
+$7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,450
+$9,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $63,438
25th Percentile $73,684
Median (50th) $88,726
75th Percentile $106,820
90th Percentile $117,938

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$89,540
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$78,958
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$70,818
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$68,376
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Chicago

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $88,726 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $63,438 (10th percentile) to $117,938 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,726, a dental hygienist in Chicago earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for dental hygienist pay? ▼
Chicago's median dental hygienist salary of $88,726 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $78,958. 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 hygienist salary of $88,726 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Chicago? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Chicago require a associate's degree. Key skills include Dental Cleaning, X-ray Imaging, Patient Education, Periodontal Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.