Dentist Salary in Illinois
Based on 7K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$156,110
$75.05/hr
vs National Average
$175,707
-11.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$124K – $292K
7K employed in Illinois
Dentist salary in Illinois averages $156,110 per year, according to current employment data. With approximately 6,940 dentists working in the state, the profession remains a solid career choice for dental professionals. However, Illinois dentists earn about 11% less than the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations.
Several factors influence dentist salary in Illinois, including years of experience, practice location, and whether dentists work independently or for established practices. Specialization also plays a significant role, as orthodontists and oral surgeons typically command higher compensation than general practitioners. Geographic location within Illinois, patient demographics, and the competitiveness of local markets further impact earning potential for dental professionals.
Salary Distribution — Dentist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $123,920 |
| 25th percentile | $124,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $156,110 |
| 75th percentile | $272,510 |
| 90th percentile | $291,530 |
Top-Paying Industries for Dentist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Dentists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Dentists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $208,220 | 90 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $193,760 | 1K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $193,060 | 610 |
| Finance and Insurance | $179,740 | 140 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $175,970 | 30 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Dentist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $159,290 |
| 2024 | $180,420 |
| 2025 | $156,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $156,110 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $159,290 | $168,417 |
| 2024 | $180,420 | $173,305 |
| 2025 | $156,110 | $175,707 |
| 2026 (projected) | $156,110 | $175,707 |
Dentist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $124,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $156,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $272,510 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $291,530 |
Dentist Salary in Other States
Related Dentist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Dentist ($156,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Dentist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +231.7% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +180.6% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +83.7% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +65.7% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +57.0% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +33.2% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +26.0% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +7.2% | $80.48/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | -6.7% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | -9.9% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | -10.9% | $66.87/hr |
| Veterinarian in IL | $133,580 | -14.4% | $64.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dentists make in Illinois?
- The median salary for dentists in Illinois is $156,110 per year, or $75 per hour. This is approximately 11.2% below the national average for dentists.
What is the salary range for dentists in Illinois?
- Dentist salaries in Illinois range from $123,920 at the lower end to $291,530 at the higher end, representing a significant variation based on experience and practice type.
How many dentists are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 6,940 dentists employed in Illinois, making it a substantial dental workforce in the state.
Is the Illinois dentist salary higher or lower than the national average?
- Illinois dentist salaries are 11.2% lower than the national average, with the state median of $156,110 falling below the typical earnings for dentists across the United States.