Arlington Heights vs Chicago: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,457 | $50,487▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.81 | $24.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,275 | $40,173▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,633 | $47,878▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,980 | $60,038▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,158 | $63,070▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 10,490▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Chicago is $3,030 (6.38%). Chicago's median is +1.83% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $23,883,Chicago spans $22,897. Arlington Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington Heights ($48,874 effective) pays 0.29% more than Chicago ($48,735 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,874)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,487/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,070)
- ✓Larger job market (10,490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Arlington Heights grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$43,956 (2024) → $46,012 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$41,110 (2019) → $48,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Arlington Heights or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Chicago as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Arlington Heights vs Chicago?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov