Dental Assistant Pay

Springfield vs Streamwood: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare dental assistant salaries between Springfield, IL and Streamwood, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Springfield, IL
$46,815
$22.51/hr
Streamwood, IL
$46,093
$22.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpringfield, ILStreamwood, IL
Median Salary$46,815$46,093
Hourly Rate$22.51$22.16
Entry Level (P10)$36,357$37,669
25th Percentile$36,357$43,531
75th Percentile$50,270$56,056
Top Earner (P90)$61,502$59,306
Total Employed3608
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Springfield ($46,815) and Streamwood ($46,093) dental assistant salaries.SpringfieldStreamwoodMedian Salary$46,815$46,093Entry Level (P10)$36,357$37,669Top Earner (P90)$61,502$59,306US Median $49,579

Verdict

Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Streamwood.

The salary gap between Springfield and Streamwood is $722 (1.57%). 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 Springfield spans $25,145,Streamwood spans $21,637. Springfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Springfield
P10 (Entry)$36,357
P25$36,357
Median$46,815
P75$50,270
P90 (Top)$61,502
Streamwood
P10 (Entry)$37,669
P25$43,531
Median$46,093
P75$56,056
P90 (Top)$59,306

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($50,477 effective) pays 6.34% more than Streamwood ($47,470 effective).

Springfield
Nominal: $46,815
CoL Index: 92.745
Adjusted: $50,477
Streamwood
Nominal: $46,093
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $47,470

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

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 Springfield grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Streamwood over the same period.

Springfield, IL

+29.7%

$35,000 (2019) → $45,390 (2025)

Streamwood, IL

+4.7%

$42,693 (2024) → $44,690 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dental assistants more: Springfield or Streamwood?

Springfield has a higher median dental assistant salary at $46,815/year, compared to Streamwood at $46,093/year — a difference of $722 (1.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Streamwood?

Springfield dental assistants earn $22.51/hr while Streamwood hygienists earn $22.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Springfield to Streamwood as a dental assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Springfield and Streamwood. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Springfield = $50,477, Streamwood = $47,470), job availability (360 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Springfield vs Streamwood?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dental assistants earn $36,357 in Springfield and $37,669 in Streamwood. The Streamwood area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

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