Springfield vs St. Charles: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Springfield, IL and St. Charles, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | St. Charles, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,815 | $47,534▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.51 | $22.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,357 | $37,341▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,357 | $43,780▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,270 | $55,705▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,502▲ | $57,707 |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Springfield and St. Charles are closely matched on overall dental assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Charles is $719 (1.54%). St. Charles's median is -4.12% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $25,145,St. Charles spans $20,366. Springfield 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 3.11% more than St. Charles ($48,954 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose St. Charles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,534/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Springfield grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in St. Charles over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$35,000 (2019) → $45,390 (2025)
St. Charles, IL
$44,028 (2024) → $46,087 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
St. Charles, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Springfield or St. Charles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Charles?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Charles as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Springfield vs St. Charles?
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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