Springfield vs Waukegan: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Springfield, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,174▲ | $85,145 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.91▲ | $40.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,504▲ | $63,471 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,208▲ | $70,756 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,348▲ | $93,831 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,450 | $113,648▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Springfield and Waukegan is $2,029 (2.38%). Springfield's median is -15.32% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $20,946,Waukegan spans $50,177. Waukegan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($93,993 effective) pays 7.19% more than Waukegan ($87,688 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,174/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,993)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,648)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Springfield grew 14.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$72,710 (2020) → $83,070 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$75,710 (2020) → $81,137 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Springfield or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Waukegan as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Springfield vs Waukegan?
Related Comparisons
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