Champaign vs Rockford: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Champaign, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,600▲ | $47,413 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.36▲ | $22.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,255▲ | $37,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,907▲ | $38,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,326▲ | $48,806 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,100▲ | $60,399 |
| Total Employed | 180 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Champaign and Rockford is $1,187 (2.50%). Champaign's median is -1.97% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $22,845,Rockford spans $22,794. Champaign 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, Champaign ($52,425 effective) pays 1.90% more than Rockford ($51,450 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,600/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,100)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,425)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Champaign grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$38,760 (2019) → $47,120 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$36,000 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Champaign or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Rockford as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Champaign 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