Rockford vs Streamwood: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Rockford, IL and Streamwood, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Streamwood, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,413▲ | $46,093 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.79▲ | $22.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,605 | $37,669▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,894 | $43,531▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,806 | $56,056▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,399▲ | $59,306 |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Streamwood.
The salary gap between Rockford and Streamwood is $1,320 (2.86%). 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 Rockford spans $22,794,Streamwood spans $21,637. Rockford 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, Rockford ($51,450 effective) pays 8.38% more than Streamwood ($47,470 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Streamwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Rockford grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Streamwood over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$36,000 (2019) → $45,970 (2025)
Streamwood, IL
$42,693 (2024) → $44,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Streamwood, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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