Dental Assistant Salary in Illinois
Based on 14K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$48,610
$23.37/hr
vs National Average
$49,100
-1.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $60K
14K employed in Illinois
The median Dental Assistant salary in Illinois is $48,610 annually, or $23 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, with Illinois dental assistants earning approximately 1.0% less than their counterparts across the country. Currently, around 13,740 individuals are employed in this role within the state.
Several factors can influence the Dental Assistant salary in Illinois. Experience level plays a significant role, with entry-level positions often starting lower than those for experienced professionals. The specific location within Illinois, the size and type of dental practice, and any specialized certifications or additional responsibilities can also contribute to variations in earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Dental Assistant in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,360 |
| 25th percentile | $40,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,610 |
| 75th percentile | $56,860 |
| 90th percentile | $59,910 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Assistants in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $71,800 | 50 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $55,270 | 6K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $54,260 | — |
| Manufacturing | $52,290 | 130 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,020 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Assistant in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,610 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,068 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $48,610 | $49,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,068 | $50,573 |
Dental Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $40,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,610 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $56,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $59,910 |
Dental Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Dental Assistant Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Dental Assistant ($48,610 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +965.3% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +801.1% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +490.1% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +432.3% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +404.3% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +327.9% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +304.8% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +244.4% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +221.1% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +199.6% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +189.4% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +186.1% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Dental Assistant in Illinois?
- In Illinois, the salary range for Dental Assistants generally falls between $37,360 and $59,910 per year. This range reflects variations based on experience, location, and practice type.
How does the average Dental Assistant salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- The average Dental Assistant salary in Illinois is about 1.0% lower than the national average. While the median in Illinois is $48,610 annually, the national median may be slightly higher.
What is the hourly wage for a Dental Assistant in Illinois?
- Dental Assistants in Illinois typically earn around $23 per hour. This hourly rate aligns with the state's median annual salary of $48,610.
How many Dental Assistants are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 13,740 Dental Assistants currently employed in Illinois. This indicates a stable demand for these professionals within the state's healthcare sector.