Crystal Lake vs Rockford: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Crystal Lake, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Crystal Lake, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,921 | $47,413▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.08 | $22.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,249 | $37,605▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,162▲ | $38,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,577▲ | $48,806 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,869 | $60,399▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Crystal Lake and Rockford is $1,492 (3.25%). Rockford's median is -4.37% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Crystal Lake spans $21,620,Rockford spans $22,794. Rockford 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, Rockford ($51,450 effective) pays 8.79% 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 Crystal Lake if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,413/year)
- ✓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 Crystal Lake grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Crystal Lake, IL
$42,534 (2024) → $44,523 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$36,000 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Crystal Lake, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Crystal Lake or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Crystal Lake and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Crystal Lake to Rockford as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Crystal Lake vs Rockford?
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