Dental Assistant Salary in Aurora, IL: $47,620 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Aurora, IL earns a median $47,620/year (≈ $22.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,042 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, dental assistant salaries reflect a unique interplay between direct employment opportunities and the evolving dynamics of the dental service organization (DSO) model. The projected median annual salary of $47,620 indicates a competitive compensation level, slightly below the national median of $49,579 for 2026. Local salaries range markedly from $36,434 to $62,034, highlighting the variations based on experience, responsibilities, and the type of practice. As Aurora's job market continues to expand, particularly with the growth of DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, dental assistants must consider the implications of these structures on their pay. Positions within these organizations often come with standardized pay scales, as opposed to the potentially more flexible compensation models found in solo or group practices.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,434 | $17.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,390 | $20.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,620 | $22.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,816 | $27.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,034 | $29.83 |
Median Salary Position
3.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,600 (2026 est.). At $47,620, the local median is 3.95% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Aurora median: $47,620/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $48,247 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -3.95% less |
Dental Assistants in Aurora, IL earn a median of $47,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $48,247.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $47,620 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,042 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,496
2025 BLS Actual
$46,170
2026 Current Est.
$47,620
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,496 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,552 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,132 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,048 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,108 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,620 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,115 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,496 (2019) to $46,170 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,115 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,619 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,434 – $42,390 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,390 – $47,620 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,620 – $57,816 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,816 – $62,034 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Aurora
Analyzing the local employment scene, there are currently 44 dental assistants working in Aurora, contributing to a robust market despite a cost-of-living index of 97.1. This index suggests a somewhat affordable living environment, which enhances the purchasing power of dental assistant pay in Aurora, IL. Among various employing entities, specialist offices such as orthodontic and oral surgery practices typically offer higher salaries compared to general dental offices. Factors influencing salary ranges include qualifications such as EFDA credentials, diverse responsibilities (for example, treatment coordinator roles), and whether one is aligned with a DSO or independent practice. For those aiming to maximize earnings, pursuing further training and certifications through organizations like DANB or seeking roles within specialized facilities could significantly enhance their financial prospects in the competitive Aurora job market.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dental assistants make in Aurora, IL in 2026?
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Aurora?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dental assistant salary in Aurora?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,170 for dental assistantsin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov