Dental Assistant Salary in Chicago, IL | Pay Insights

Explore the average dental assistant salary in Chicago, including key factors that affect pay and local career opportunities.

How Much Does a Dental Assistant Make in Chicago?

The average dental assistant salary in Chicago is $48,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of December 10, 2025. This yearly salary translates to an average hourly wage of $23.22 in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area.

While data can vary depending on available job postings in Chicago, entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $37,440, while experienced assistants can earn up to $62,000 at the higher end of the spectrum.

Factors Influencing Pay

Factors that influence a dental assistant’s pay include level of experience, certifications, work setting, and location in the Chicagoland area. Assistants with several years of experience and specialty credentials, such as registered dental assistant status, generally earn more than those who are new to the field.

Work setting can also make a difference, as assistants who work in specialty practices, in state or federal clinics, or with large dental service organizations often have a higher earning potential. Location in the Chicago area can also play a role, as dental assistants who work in wealthier suburbs like Lincoln Park may earn more than those closer to the city due to factors like demand for services and cost-of-living adjustments.

How Does Toothio Compare?

Dental assistants who pick up shifts on Toothio earn an average hourly wage of $23.59, with some top earners earning up to $27.12.* For an assistant who works full-time at 40 hours a week, this would equate to an annual salary of about $56,400. These numbers are based on the average earnings of dental assistants who pick up shifts in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area using the Toothio platform.

Dental Assistant Career Outlook

Dental assistants have a strong career outlook nationwide, with the profession projected to grow 6% over the next 10 years, double the average for all occupations. The career outlook for dental assistants in Chicago is strong, with the Chicagoland area employing the third-most dental assistants out of any metropolitan area in the country.

Assistants can improve their own career outlook by gaining a broad range of experience, pursuing continuing education, and obtaining certifications like registered dental assistant status. Many assistants also choose to advance their careers by exploring roles in administrative positions or expanding their skills into dental hygienist roles.

Dental assistants can find additional work opportunities through Toothio on their own schedule and at their preferred rates. Toothio connects seasoned dental professionals with both permanent and temporary roles in respected dental practices, offering the freedom to pick up shifts on their own terms.

Start browsing dental assistant jobs in Chicago today.

Other Dental Assistant Salary Guides

View our dental assistant salary guides for other cities:

Sources:

“Annual Mean Wage of Dental Assistants, by Metropolitan Area, May 2024.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Maps, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data.bls.gov/oesmap/. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

“Dental Assistants.” Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm. Accessed 10 Dec. 2025.

*Based on the average data from 1099 contractors who pick up shifts on the Toothio platform.