Dental Salary Data · BLS OEWS May 2025
Dental Specialist Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
The median dental specialist earns $269,160 a year in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro, with the middle half between $224,470 and $269,180.[1]
25th percentile
$224,470
Lower end of the middle half
Median
$269,160
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile
$269,180
Upper end of the middle half
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin runs about 7% higher than the Illinois median and ranks 1st of 1 Illinois metros. It is about 20% higher than the national median.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin pay range vs. Illinois and the U.S.
| Percentile | Metro annual | Illinois annual | U.S. annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $185,160 | $155,250 | $104,120 |
| 25th percentile | $224,470 | $229,690 | $166,130 |
| Median | $269,160 | $250,880 | $224,990 |
| 75th percentile | $269,180 | $269,160 | $280,590 |
| 90th percentile | $288,080 | $276,130 | $402,700 |
| Mean (average) | $248,560 | $242,070 | $247,930 |
150
0.03
0.98
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Dental Specialist salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin: FAQ
How much do dental specialists make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
The median dental specialist salary in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area is $269,160, with the middle half earning between $224,470 and $269,180 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The full range runs from $185,160 at the 10th percentile to $288,080 at the 90th.
Is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin higher or lower than the rest of Illinois?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin runs about 7% higher than the Illinois state median for dental specialists. It ranks 1st of 1 Illinois metro areas by median pay. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures.)
How does Chicago-Naperville-Elgin compare nationally?
Dental Specialist pay in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is about 20% higher than the U.S. median. (DSO Hire calculation from BLS figures, not adjusted for cost of living.)
How many dental specialists work in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area?
BLS estimates 150 dental specialists were employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area in May 2025. Its location quotient is 0.98, so the role is close to the national average.
Other Illinois metros