Chicago vs Crystal Lake: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Crystal Lake, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Crystal Lake, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,487▲ | $45,921 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.27▲ | $22.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,173▲ | $37,249 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,878▲ | $43,162 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,038▲ | $55,577 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,070▲ | $58,869 |
| Total Employed | 10,490▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Chicago and Crystal Lake is $4,566 (9.94%). 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 Chicago spans $22,897,Crystal Lake spans $21,620. Chicago 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, Chicago ($48,735 effective) pays 3.05% more than Crystal Lake ($47,292 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,487/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,070)
- ✓Larger job market (10,490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,735)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Chicago grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Crystal Lake over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$41,110 (2019) → $48,950 (2025)
Crystal Lake, IL
$42,534 (2024) → $44,523 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Chicago or Crystal Lake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Crystal Lake?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Crystal Lake as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Chicago vs Crystal Lake?
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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