Berwyn vs Rockford: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Berwyn, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Berwyn, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,651▲ | $47,413 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.91▲ | $22.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,930 | $37,605▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,048▲ | $38,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,634▲ | $48,806 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,775 | $60,399▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Berwyn and Rockford are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Berwyn and Rockford is $238 (0.50%). Berwyn's median is -3.89% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berwyn spans $24,845,Rockford spans $22,794. Berwyn 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 4.84% more than Berwyn ($49,074 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Berwyn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,651/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,399)
- ✓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 Berwyn grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Berwyn, IL
$44,136 (2024) → $46,200 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$36,000 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Berwyn, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Berwyn or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Berwyn and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Berwyn to Rockford as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Berwyn 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