Chicago vs Rockford: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Chicago, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,213▲ | $90,374 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.58▲ | $43.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,949 | $82,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,595▲ | $85,830 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,396▲ | $102,306 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,259▲ | $102,411 |
| Total Employed | 6,470▲ | 370 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Chicago and Rockford is $14,839 (16.42%). Chicago's median is +2.20% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $46,310,Rockford spans $20,128. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($101,562 effective) pays 3.56% more than Rockford ($98,068 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,213/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,259)
- ✓Larger job market (6,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,562)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Chicago grew 30.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$76,640 (2020) → $100,260 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$75,650 (2020) → $86,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov