Dental Hygienist Salary in Illinois
Based on 9K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$96,670
$46.48/hr
vs National Average
$96,870
-0.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $118K
9K employed in Illinois
The median Dental Hygienist salary in Illinois is $96,670 per year, or $46 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average, representing a difference of 0.2%. Currently, there are approximately 8,970 Dental Hygienists employed in the state.
Several factors can influence a Dental Hygienist salary in Illinois. These include years of experience, the specific geographic location within the state, the type of dental practice, and additional certifications or specializations held by the professional. The salary range for these professionals typically falls between $74,280 and $118,410 annually.
Salary Distribution — Dental Hygienist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,280 |
| 25th percentile | $79,400 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,670 |
| 75th percentile | $101,800 |
| 90th percentile | $118,410 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dental Hygienist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dental Hygienists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dental Hygienists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $102,340 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $100,180 | 40 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $98,180 | 217K |
| Manufacturing | $96,200 | 40 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $94,570 | 120 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dental Hygienist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $96,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,570 |
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 | $96,670 | $96,870 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,570 | $99,776 |
Dental Hygienist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,400 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $101,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $118,410 |
Dental Hygienist Salary in Other States
Related Dental Hygienist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Dental Hygienist ($96,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dental Hygienist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +435.7% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +353.1% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +196.7% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +167.7% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +153.6% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +115.2% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +103.5% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +73.2% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +61.5% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +50.6% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +45.5% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +43.9% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Dental Hygienist in Illinois?
- The median Dental Hygienist salary in Illinois is $96,670 per year, which equates to approximately $46 per hour. This median reflects the midpoint of earnings for professionals in this role within the state.
What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Illinois?
- In Illinois, Dental Hygienists can expect to earn within a range of $74,280 to $118,410 annually. This broad spectrum indicates significant variation in pay based on experience and other contributing factors.
How does the Dental Hygienist salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- The Dental Hygienist salary in Illinois is very close to the national average, specifically 0.2% lower. This means Illinois offers a competitive, albeit slightly lower, earning potential compared to the national median.
How many Dental Hygienists are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 8,970 Dental Hygienists employed throughout Illinois. This substantial number highlights the demand for these oral healthcare professionals within the state's healthcare sector.