Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median dental laboratory technician salary in Chicago, IL is $49,987 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$49,987
vs State Avg
+$5,503
vs National
+$4,127
Cost of Living
107%

Dental Laboratory Technician Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $49,987, which is $5,503 above the Illinois state average of $44,484. Compared to the national median of $45,860, 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 laboratory technicians in Chicago spans from $32,700 at the 10th percentile to $76,300 at the 90th percentile — a $43,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,880, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,120. 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 Laboratory Technician Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $34,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,880
+$2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,230
+$4,230 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,120
+$6,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $32,700
25th Percentile $39,240
Median (50th) $49,987
75th Percentile $63,220
90th Percentile $76,300

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Chicago

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental CeramicsCAD/CAMProsthetic DesignAttention to DetailManual DexterityQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental laboratory technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Laboratory Technician Jobs in Chicago

Browse open dental laboratory technician positions in Chicago, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Chicago

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in Chicago, Illinois is $49,987 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $32,700 (10th percentile) to $76,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,987, a dental laboratory technician in Chicago earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼
Chicago's median dental laboratory technician salary of $49,987 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $44,484. 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 laboratory technician salary of $49,987 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental laboratory technician in Chicago? ▼
Most dental laboratory technician positions in Chicago require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Dental Ceramics, CAD/CAM, Prosthetic Design, Attention to Detail. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.