Joliet vs Springfield: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Joliet, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Joliet, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,913▲ | $46,815 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.03▲ | $22.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,110▲ | $36,357 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,030▲ | $36,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,521▲ | $50,270 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,002▲ | $61,502 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Joliet, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Joliet and Springfield is $1,098 (2.35%). Joliet's median is -3.36% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Joliet spans $25,892,Springfield spans $25,145. Joliet 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 2.30% more than Joliet ($49,344 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Joliet if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,913/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,002)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓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 Joliet grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Joliet, IL
$44,378 (2024) → $46,454 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$35,000 (2019) → $45,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Joliet, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Joliet or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Joliet and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Joliet to Springfield as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Joliet 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