Dental Assistant Salary in Quincy, IL: $46,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Quincy, IL earns a median $46,797/year (≈ $22.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Quincy's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $48,195 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant salary in Quincy, IL, is projected to reach a median of $46,797, representing a slight dip compared to the national median of $49,579. This area presents a salary range from $35,544 at the 10th percentile to $60,036 at the 90th percentile, revealing significant income variability. Local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities, indicate that the evolving job market in Quincy reflects broader trends in the dental profession, particularly the influence of Dental Service Organizations (DSOs). These chains are known for their structured pay scales, often offering stability, yet the flexibility found in solo practices can attract those seeking varied responsibilities. In Quincy, understanding these dynamics will be essential for aspiring dental assistants looking to navigate their career options effectively.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,544 | $17.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,013 | $21.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,797 | $22.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,663 | $27.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,036 | $28.86 |
Median Salary Position
5.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
In Quincy, IL, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,492 (2026 est.). At $46,797, the local median is 5.61% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Quincy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Quincy Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Quincy median: $46,797/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Quincy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $48,244 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -5.61% less |
Dental Assistants in Quincy, IL earn a median of $46,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.61% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $48,244.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Quincy 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.
Quincy, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $46,797 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,195 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,830
2025 BLS Actual
$45,372
2026 Current Est.
$46,797
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,869 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,490 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,304 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,928 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,266 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Quincy metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,830 (2019) to $45,372 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,266 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,436 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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) | $35,544 – $44,013 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,013 – $46,797 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,797 – $56,663 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,663 – $60,036 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Quincy
Currently, Quincy employs a limited number of dental assistants, with just six professionals in the field. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, which can impact take-home purchasing power for these workers. Among various employers, general dental practices typically offer competitive wages, but DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen may provide significantly higher compensation due to established pay structures. Income disparity stems from specialties as well; oral surgery and orthodontic offices tend to pay more than general or pediatric practices. To maximize earnings in Quincy, pursuing expanded function certifications or hybrid roles, such as treatment coordinators, can present tangible benefits. Understanding the local market, including opportunities for mentorship and leadership positions, is crucial for career advancement in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Quincy, 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 $45,372 for dental assistantsin the Quincy 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 Quincy 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