HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Dental Hygienist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$132,232/yr
Typical range: $123,925 – $146,033
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$132,232
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$152,066
Principal · 14
+$20Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
45/100
Below Average
+9% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Dental Hygienist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Dental Hygienists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $132K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Dental Hygienist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $132K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Dental Hygienist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Dental Hygienist in Chicago, IL earns $124K–$146K/yr.