Dental Hygienist Salary in Chicago, IL

How Much Does a Dental Hygienist Make in Chicago?

The average dental hygienist’s salary in Chicago is $90,290, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, just around the national average. This salary converts to an average hourly wage of $43.41 in the Windy City and its surrounding suburbs, which is the highest salary in the state of Illinois.

Although data varies between sources, the lower percentile of hygienists in Chicago can earn around $82,000, while the highest earners can potentially earn anywhere up to around $120,000.

Factors Influencing Pay

Factors like experience levels, certifications, location, and workplace setting can all influence a hygienist’s salary in Chicago. A hygienist with years of experience, multiple certifications, and unique specializations is likely to earn more compared to someone who is new in the field.

Work setting also plays a significant role, as traveling hygienists, hygienists who work across multiple practices, and professionals in specialized practices typically earn more than those working in a single clinic. Location can influence earning potential as well—a hygienist in Lincoln Park or Lake View may earn more than a hygienist in the outskirts of the city, as patient demand may be higher.

How Does Toothio Compare?

Dental hygienists on Toothio earn an average hourly wage of $60.17 in Chicago, with the potential for rates as high as $69.19.* On average, this rate would equate to around $125,000 in annual earnings for a hygienist who works 40 hours per week. This data is based on the rates for hygienists who pick up shifts on the Toothio platform in the Chicago, Naperville, and Elgin areas.

Dental Hygienist Career Outlook

As the third most populous city in the country, the Windy City area has a strong career outlook for hygienists. Chicago employs the third-most dental hygienists in the country, with 6,420 jobs, providing plenty of work opportunities for skilled professionals to fill open positions and ensuring a high demand for dental hygienists.

Toothio opens the door to both temporary and permanent work opportunities, connecting dental hygienists with fulfilling opportunities in reputable dental practices in the Chicago area. Start searching for dental hygienist jobs in the Chicago metropolitan area today.

Other Dental Hygienist Salary Guides

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• Dental Hygienist Salary in Baltimore, MD
• Dental Hygienist Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
• Dental Hygienist Salary in Las Vegas, NV
• Dental Hygienist Salary in Los Angeles, CA
• Dental Hygienist Salary in New Jersey
• Dental Hygienist Salary in Orlando, FL
• Dental Hygienist Salary in Phoenix, AZ
• Dental Hygienist Salary in Portland, OR
• Dental Hygienist Salary in Seattle, WA

Sources:

“Annual Mean Wage of Dental Hygienists, 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 15 Oct. 2025.

“Dental Hygienists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes291292.htm. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

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