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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cosmetic Dental Assistant in Illinois is $46,596 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Cosmetic Dental Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cosmetic Dental Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $51,139 | $4,262 | $983 | $25 |
| Average | $46,596 | $3,883 | $896 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,281 | $3,523 | $813 | $20 |
Endodontics of Springfield, LLC - Springfield, IL
THEODORE M SIEGEL DDS PC - Chicago, IL
Tree Streets Dental LLC - Winnetka, IL
Joyful Smiles Pediatric Dentistry - Tinley Park, IL
A Cosmetic Dental Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Cosmetic Dental Assistant's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $45,306 |
| Intermediate Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $45,776 |
| Senior Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $46,722 |
| Specialist Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $46,912 |
| Expert Level Cosmetic Dental Assistant | $47,038 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cosmetic Dental Assistants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Cosmetic Dental Assistant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Cosmetic Dental Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Cosmetic Dental Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $55,915 | $27.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Cosmetic Dental Assistant's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $51,139 | $4,262 | $983 | $25 |
| Average | $46,596 | $3,883 | $896 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,281 | $3,523 | $813 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Cosmetic Dental Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sandburg Village Dental
Chicago, IL
Sandburg Village Dental | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Our boutique general dental office is looking for a motivated, organized, friendly dental assistant to help care for our ... more
3 Days Ago
Kids Plus Pediatric Dentistry
Lemont, IL
Kids Plus Pediatric Dentistry | Lemont, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Dental assistant, positive influence, works well with children or special needs patients. more
4 Days Ago
HAVEN FAMILY DENTAL PC
Joliet, IL
HAVEN FAMILY DENTAL PC | Joliet, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Job Overview. We are growing. Dental Experience is HIGHLY CONSIDERED. PART TIME with Great hours (Working 3 days a week ... more
4 Days Ago
General Dentistry Office
Lisle, IL
General Dentistry Office | Lisle, IL
Job Description. Job Description. We are a busy, growing, fun, and professional dental office with a position available for a part-time addition to our pra... more
4 Days Ago
Krupa Dental Care
Willow Springs, IL
Krupa Dental Care | Willow Springs, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Dental Assistant. Join Our Team. We are looking for a friendly, dependable, and motivated. Dental Assistant. to join our ... more
4 Days Ago
Dental Office
Addison, IL
Dental Office | Addison, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Patient friendly Dental Office is looking for a reliable, energetic, and passionate dental assistant to work in a custome... more
5 Days Ago
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