Arlington Heights vs Rockford: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,457▲ | $47,413 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.81▲ | $22.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,275▲ | $37,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,633▲ | $38,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,980▲ | $48,806 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,158▲ | $60,399 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Arlington Heights, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Rockford is $44 (0.09%). Arlington Heights's median is -4.28% 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,Rockford spans $22,794. 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, Rockford ($51,450 effective) pays 5.27% more than Arlington Heights ($48,874 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,457/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,158)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,450)
- ✓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 27.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$43,956 (2024) → $46,012 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$36,000 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Arlington Heights or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Rockford as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Arlington Heights vs Rockford?
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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