HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Dentist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$291,049/yr
Typical range: $272,765 – $321,427
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Dentist salary by experience level in Chicago
Dentist 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 | $159,167 | $13,264 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $195,549 | $16,296 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $216,771 | $18,064 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $240,115 | $20,010 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $291,049 | $24,254 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $334,706 | $27,892 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $345,621 | $28,802 | +117% |
Current Salary
$291,049
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $140/hr
Next Level Target
$334,706
Principal · 14
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
41/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Dentist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Dentists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $291K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Dentist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $291K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $140/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Dentist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Dentist in Chicago, IL earns $273K–$321K/yr.