Skokie vs Springfield: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Skokie, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Skokie, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,143▲ | $46,815 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.67▲ | $22.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,479▲ | $36,357 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,935▲ | $36,357 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,244▲ | $50,270 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,978 | $61,502▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Skokie and Springfield are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Skokie and Springfield is $328 (0.70%). Skokie's median is -4.91% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Skokie spans $23,499,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 3.97% more than Skokie ($48,551 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Skokie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,143/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 Skokie grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Skokie, IL
$43,666 (2024) → $45,708 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$35,000 (2019) → $45,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Skokie, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Skokie or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Skokie and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Skokie to Springfield as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Skokie 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