Normal vs Springfield: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Normal, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Normal, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,753 | $46,815▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.47 | $22.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,242 | $36,357▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,122▲ | $36,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,295▲ | $50,270 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,860 | $61,502▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Normal.
The salary gap between Normal and Springfield is $62 (0.13%). Springfield's median is -5.57% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Normal spans $24,618,Springfield spans $25,145. Springfield 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, Springfield ($50,477 effective) pays 4.83% more than Normal ($48,149 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Normal if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,815/year)
- ✓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 Normal grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Normal, IL
$43,305 (2024) → $45,330 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$35,000 (2019) → $45,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Normal, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Normal or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Normal and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Normal to Springfield as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Normal vs Springfield?
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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.
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