HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead Orthodontist Salary in Chicago

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$375,494/yr

Typical range: $351,906 $414,687

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Orthodontist Salary Progression in Chicago

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$205,349$17,112
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$252,285$21,024+23%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$279,665$23,305+36%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$309,783$25,815+51%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$375,494$31,291+83%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$431,819$35,985+110%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$445,900$37,158+117%
Current Salary
$375,494
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $181/hr
Next Level Target
$431,819
Principal · 14
+$56Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
44/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the staff / lead Orthodontist salary in Chicago, IL?

Staff / Lead Orthodontists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $375K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a staff / lead Orthodontist make per hour in Chicago, IL?

Based on $375K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $181/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from staff / lead to senior Orthodontist in Chicago, IL?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Orthodontist in Chicago, IL earns $352K–$415K/yr.