HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Dental Hygienist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$72,314/yr
Typical range: $73,080 – $86,118
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Dental Hygienist salary by experience level in Chicago
Dental Hygienist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $72,314 | $6,026 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $88,843 | $7,404 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $98,485 | $8,207 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $109,091 | $9,091 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $132,232 | $11,019 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $152,066 | $12,672 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $157,025 | $13,085 | +117% |
Current Salary
$72,314
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $35/hr
Next Level Target
$88,843
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+9% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Dental Hygienist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Dental Hygienists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $72K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Dental Hygienist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $72K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $35/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Dental Hygienist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Dental Hygienist in Chicago, IL earns $124K–$146K/yr.