Naperville vs Rockford: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Naperville, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Naperville, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,014▲ | $47,413 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.53▲ | $22.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,598 | $37,605▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,469▲ | $38,894 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,908▲ | $48,806 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,728▲ | $60,399 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Naperville and Rockford is $3,601 (7.59%). Naperville's median is +2.89% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Naperville spans $32,130,Rockford spans $22,794. Naperville 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, Naperville ($52,538 effective) pays 2.11% more than Rockford ($51,450 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,014/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,728)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,538)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Naperville grew 8.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Naperville, IL
$45,584 (2024) → $49,461 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$36,000 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Naperville, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Naperville or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Naperville and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Naperville to Rockford as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Naperville 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