Springfield vs Wheaton: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant salaries between Springfield, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,815 | $47,395▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.51 | $22.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,357 | $38,128▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,357 | $44,502▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,270 | $57,832▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,502 | $61,956▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Wheaton, IL offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and Wheaton is $580 (1.24%). Wheaton's median is -4.41% 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,Wheaton spans $23,828. 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 3.41% more than Wheaton ($48,811 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,477)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,395/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,956)
- ✓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 Wheaton over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$35,000 (2019) → $45,390 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$43,899 (2024) → $45,952 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental assistants more: Springfield or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Wheaton as a dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in Springfield vs Wheaton?
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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