DeKalb vs Springfield: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between DeKalb, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DeKalb, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,815 | $87,174▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.33 | $41.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,988 | $82,504▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,071 | $86,208▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,912 | $102,348▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,724▲ | $103,450 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to DeKalb.
The salary gap between DeKalb and Springfield is $5,359 (6.55%). Springfield's median is -15.32% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in DeKalb spans $38,736,Springfield spans $20,946. DeKalb has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($93,993 effective) pays 11.55% more than DeKalb ($84,258 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose DeKalb if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,724)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,174/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,993)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in DeKalb grew 7.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 14.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
DeKalb, IL
$72,749 (2020) → $77,964 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$72,710 (2020) → $83,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
DeKalb, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: DeKalb or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between DeKalb and Springfield?
Should I relocate from DeKalb to Springfield as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in DeKalb vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov