Chicago vs Des Plaines: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,487▲ | $46,620 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.27▲ | $22.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,173▲ | $36,294 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,878▲ | $41,846 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,038▲ | $55,978 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,070▲ | $59,429 |
| Total Employed | 10,490▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Chicago and Des Plaines is $3,867 (8.29%). 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,Des Plaines spans $23,135. Des Plaines has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($48,735 effective) pays 1.51% more than Des Plaines ($48,012 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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$41,110 (2019) → $48,950 (2025)
Des Plaines, IL
$43,181 (2024) → $45,201 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Chicago or Des Plaines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Des Plaines?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Des Plaines as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Chicago vs Des Plaines?
Related Comparisons
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