Hoffman Estates vs Springfield: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Hoffman Estates, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hoffman Estates, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,045▲ | $46,815 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.10▲ | $22.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,852 | $36,357▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,014▲ | $36,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,578▲ | $50,270 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,060 | $61,502▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Hoffman Estates and Springfield are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hoffman Estates and Springfield is $1,230 (2.63%). Hoffman Estates's median is -3.09% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hoffman Estates spans $25,208,Springfield spans $25,145. Hoffman Estates 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, Springfield ($50,477 effective) pays 2.02% more than Hoffman Estates ($49,480 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hoffman Estates if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,045/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,502)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,477)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Hoffman Estates grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Hoffman Estates, IL
$44,501 (2024) → $46,582 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$35,000 (2019) → $45,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hoffman Estates, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Hoffman Estates or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hoffman Estates and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Hoffman Estates to Springfield as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Hoffman Estates vs Springfield?
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