Healthcare Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Dentist Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median dentist salary in Rockford, IL is $134,711 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 13.4% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$134,711
vs State Avg
$-20,848
vs National
$-25,659
Cost of Living
82%

Dentist Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median dentist salary of $134,711, which is $20,848 below the Illinois state average of $155,559. Compared to the national median of $160,370, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $134,711 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $164,282 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Rockford spans from $67,200 at the 10th percentile to $211,680 at the 90th percentile — a $144,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,400. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Dentist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level dentist earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
$-13,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,080
$-25,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,400
$-37,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $67,200
25th Percentile $96,600
Median (50th) $134,711
75th Percentile $174,720
90th Percentile $211,680

Dentist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$176,407
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$174,803
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$155,559
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$139,522
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Dentist in Rockford

Education

Most dentist positions require a doctoral degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Rockford

Browse open dentist positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Dentist make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median dentist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $134,711 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $67,200 (10th percentile) to $211,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $134,711, a dentist in Rockford earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for dentist pay? ▼
Rockford's median dentist salary of $134,711 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $155,559. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a dentist salary of $134,711 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Rockford? ▼
Most dentist positions in Rockford require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.