Rockford vs Wheeling: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Rockford, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,374▲ | $82,996 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.45▲ | $39.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,283▲ | $67,331 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,830▲ | $72,714 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,306▲ | $92,749 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,411 | $106,412▲ |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Rockford and Wheeling is $7,378 (8.89%). Rockford's median is -12.21% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $20,128,Wheeling spans $39,081. Wheeling has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($98,068 effective) pays 14.73% more than Wheeling ($85,475 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,374/year)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,068)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,412)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Rockford grew 13.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$75,650 (2020) → $86,120 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$73,799 (2020) → $79,089 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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