Dental Assistant Salary in Evanston, IL: $47,953 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Evanston, IL earns a median $47,953/year (≈ $23.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $49,385 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in 2026 stands at $47,953, which is slightly below the national median of $49,579. The salary range reflects a diversity of roles and qualifications, with the lower 10% earning approximately $35,637 and the top 90% realizing around $63,683. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations and pricing disparities within the local market. Given Evanston's proximity to specialized dental practices, particularly those focused on oral surgery and orthodontics, dental assistants can find opportunities that pay a premium, making this a strategic area for those looking to advance their careers.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,637 | $17.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,821 | $20.59 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,953 | $23.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,258 | $28.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63,683 | $30.61 |
Median Salary Position
3.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,046 (2026 est.). At $47,953, the local median is 3.28% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Evanston median: $47,953/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $48,242 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -3.28% less |
Dental Assistants in Evanston, IL earn a median of $47,953 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $48,242.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $47,953 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,385 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,765
2025 BLS Actual
$46,493
2026 Current Est.
$47,953
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,829 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,392 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,416 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,493 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,953 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,459 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $38,765 (2019) to $46,493 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,459 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,694 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $35,637 – $42,821 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,821 – $47,953 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,953 – $59,258 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,258 – $63,683 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Evanston
The job market for dental assistants in Evanston is relatively small but stable, with only 16 professionals currently employed in the field. The local cost-of-living index of 97.1 indicates that expenses are relatively manageable compared to the national average, potentially enhancing disposable income for workers. Among local employers, specialized practices in orthodontics and oral surgery tend to offer the highest pay rates, significantly influencing the overall salary spectrum. Factors such as specialty focus, credentials like EFDA, and roles as treatment coordinators contribute to disparities in compensation. Aspiring dental assistants can maximize their earnings potential in Evanston by pursuing these credentials and considering employment with dental service organizations, which often provide standardized pay scales and additional training opportunities to elevate career advancement.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $46,493 for dental assistantsin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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