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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Dental Hygienists salary in Chicago, Illinois

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Chicago metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$98,030
Mean annual$90,290
Range (10th to 90th)$62,440 to $100,050
Chicago, Illinois employment6,420
State vs national+4.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Chicago dental hygienists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$62,44025TH$82,310MEDIAN$98,03075TH$98,89090TH$100,050

The middle 50% of workers earn between $82,310 and $98,890, with a median of $98,030.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Associate's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Medicine and Dentistry

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    3.9 / 5

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Finger Dexterity

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    3.8 / 5

  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.8 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Record and review patient medical histories.

  2. 02

    Feel and visually examine gums for sores and signs of disease.

  3. 03

    Examine gums, using probes, to locate periodontal recessed gums and signs of gum disease.

  4. 04

    Clean calcareous deposits, accretions, and stains from teeth and beneath margins of gums, using dental instruments.

  5. 05

    Provide clinical services or health education to improve and maintain the oral health of patients or the general public.

  6. 06

    Chart conditions of decay and disease for diagnosis and treatment by dentist.

  7. 07

    Expose and develop x-ray film.

  8. 08

    Attend continuing education courses to maintain or update skills.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Dental Hygienists in Chicago, Illinois?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Dental Hygienists in the Chicago metropolitan area is $98,030.
Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Dental Hygienists?
The Chicago metro median is +1.6% versus the Illinois state median of $96,490.
How does Chicago compare to the national median for Dental Hygienists?
The Chicago metro median is +4.1% versus the BLS national figure of $94,162.
What is the salary range for Dental Hygienists in Chicago?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $62,440 and the 90th-percentile at $100,050 for the Chicago metro area.
What education is required for Dental Hygienists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.