Dental Assistant Pay

Chicago vs Glenview: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Glenview, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chicago, IL
$50,487
$24.27/hr
Glenview, IL
$46,344
$22.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILGlenview, IL
Median Salary$50,487$46,344
Hourly Rate$24.27$22.28
Entry Level (P10)$40,173$38,282
25th Percentile$47,878$44,070
75th Percentile$60,038$53,845
Top Earner (P90)$63,070$60,224
Total Employed10,49012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($50,487) and Glenview ($46,344) dental assistant salaries.ChicagoGlenviewMedian Salary$50,487$46,344Entry Level (P10)$40,173$38,282Top Earner (P90)$63,070$60,224US Median $49,579

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Glenview.

The salary gap between Chicago and Glenview is $4,143 (8.94%). 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,Glenview spans $21,942. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$40,173
P25$47,878
Median$50,487
P75$60,038
P90 (Top)$63,070
Glenview
P10 (Entry)$38,282
P25$44,070
Median$46,344
P75$53,845
P90 (Top)$60,224

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($48,735 effective) pays 2.11% more than Glenview ($47,728 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $50,487
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $48,735
Glenview
Nominal: $46,344
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $47,728

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 Glenview 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 Glenview over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+19.1%

$41,110 (2019) → $48,950 (2025)

Glenview, IL

+4.7%

$42,926 (2024) → $44,933 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Chicago or Glenview?

Chicago has a higher median dental assistant salary at $50,487/year, compared to Glenview at $46,344/year — a difference of $4,143 (8.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Glenview?

Chicago dental assistants earn $24.27/hr while Glenview hygienists earn $22.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chicago to Glenview as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Glenview. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $48,735, Glenview = $47,728), job availability (10,490 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Chicago vs Glenview?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $40,173 in Chicago and $38,282 in Glenview. The Chicago area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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