Dentist Salary 2026: $295K Median by Specialty & State | SalaryDr

Source: SalaryDr salary data for in Illinois (N=7 verified submissions, updated April 17, 2026, data as of 2026-04-17). URL: https://www.salarydr.com

Dentist Salaries in Illinois

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Explore verified dentist salary data from 7 submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.

SalaryDr Intelligence

Top Satisfaction: General Dentist

3.7/5 avg rating · 7+ total reports.

7+ verified reports•100% would choose again
Median $220,0007 reports

7+ dentists already shared. See how you compare.

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Dentist Salary in Illinois

Specialties

General Dentist·Orthodontist·Endodontist·Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon·Pediatric Dentist·Periodontist·Prosthodontist

Locations

California·Texas·New York·Florida·Pennsylvania·Ohio·Massachusetts·North Carolina·Georgia·Michigan·New Jersey

Explore More

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Dentist Salaries in IllinoisDentists

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Explore verified dentist salary data from 7 submissions. Compare total compensation by specialty, state, and practice setting.

SalaryDr Intelligence

Top Satisfaction: General Dentist

3.7/5 avg rating · 7+ total reports.

7+ verified reports•100% would choose again

MEDIAN TOTAL COMP

$220,000

AVERAGE BASE

$180,000

AVG BONUS / INCENTIVE

$20,000

100% received

AVG WORKLOAD

37

hrs/wk

Compensation

Total Compensation$240,000
Effective $/hr$115/hr

Model: percent_collections

Collection Rate30%
Annual Production$1,200,000
Annual Collections$800,000

Work & Schedule

Employmentassociate
Hours/wk40
4/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$200,000
Total Compensation$200,000
Effective $/hr$124/hr

Model: salary

Lifestyle Insights

What could be improved

“There is a 34% collections rate on top of the monthly base pay, but my production is around 35-40k a month so the DSO is paying me a higher base monthly than what I am producing. I am young and want to progress in my field and wish I looked more at the upside of the practice and how busy it was. This location has very low patient volumes and not great systems in place to get treatment accepted or follow up with patients. ”

Work-life balance

“I work Monday-Thursday 31 clinical hours a week, but total time spent at office is 34( accounting for lunch hours). Work is good and straightforward, but at times it can be isolating as I am the only dentist In the office, and at times it’s similar to operating stress of a owner dentist when staff calls off and you have to find a way to manage the schedule. I stick to bread and butter dentistry. ”

Negotiation tip

“I think the negotiation was fair to what I was given , given the situation I am, when joining a DSO always ask for a bonus and ask for it to prorated if you ever consider leaving which is how mine is set up. If you leave after 6 months hypothetically you just give back 50% of the bonus in my case. I’ve seen some where it’s a 2-4 year commitment and they can take the entire bonus back if you leave before the entirety of the commitment ”

Work & Schedule

Employmentassociate
Hours/wk31
PTO4 weeks
4/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$200,000
Total Compensation$200,000
Effective $/hr$85/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk45
PTO3 weeks

Benefits

Medical Insurance · Dental Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar)

4/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$250,000
Total Compensation$250,000
Effective $/hr$120/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk40
PTO6 weeks
3/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$180,000
Bonus/Incentives$20,000
Total Compensation$200,000
Effective $/hr$104/hr

Model: Fixed Salary

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk37
PTO2 weeks

Benefits

Medical Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Dental Insurance · Vision Insurance

4/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$359,700
Total Compensation$359,700
Effective $/hr$173/hr

Model: Percentage of Production

Annual Production$1,090,000

Lifestyle Insights

What could be improved

“Less administrative burden”

Work-life balance

“Alternating 4-5 days a week”

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk40
Days/wk5
PTO3 weeks
Patients/day20

Benefits

Medical Insurance · Dental Insurance · Vision Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Paid Continuing Education · Paid Vacation

CE Budget$2,000/yr

Most wanted: “I have excellent benefits including HSA and Roth 401k with match”

3/5 satisfactionWould choose again

Compensation

Base Salary$2,000,000
Total Compensation$2,000,000
Effective $/hr$1,374/hr

Lifestyle Insights

Work-life balance

“3 day work week, no call, no weekends, 6 weeks off a year”

Work & Schedule

Hours/wk28
PTO6 weeks
Patients/day100

Benefits

Medical Insurance · Dental Insurance · Retirement Plan (401k or similar) · Paid Holidays · Paid Vacation · Paid Continuing Education

CE Budget$30,000/yr
5/5 satisfactionWould choose again

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Dentist Salary in Illinois

Specialties

General Dentist·Orthodontist·Endodontist·Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon·Pediatric Dentist·Periodontist·Prosthodontist

Locations

California·Texas·New York·Florida·Pennsylvania·Ohio·Massachusetts·North Carolina·Georgia·Michigan·New Jersey

Explore More

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Dental Salary FAQs

Data-driven answers for Illinois

Live DataUpdated Apr 2026

How much do dentists make in 2026 in Illinois?

The median dentist salary is $220,000 in 2026 in Illinois, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $241,617, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.

  • Median total compensation: $220,000
  • Average total compensation: $241,617
  • Based on 0+ verified submissions
  • Data updated in real-time as new salaries are reported

What is the base salary vs total compensation for dentists in Illinois?

The median base salary for dentists in Illinois is $180,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $20,000. Total compensation ($220,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.

  • Median base salary: $180,000
  • Median bonuses/incentives: $20,000
  • Median total compensation: $220,000
  • Bonus structures vary by employer and productivity metrics

How many hours do dentists work per week in Illinois?

Dentists in Illinois work an average of 37 hours per week, based on 0+ verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.

  • Average weekly hours: 37
  • Hours vary significantly by specialty and setting
  • Includes clinical, administrative, and on-call time
  • Part-time and locums arrangements offer flexibility

Are dentists satisfied with their compensation in Illinois?

Dentists in Illinois report 78% satisfaction with their careers, and 100% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.

  • Career satisfaction: 78%
  • Would choose specialty again: 100%
  • Satisfaction influenced by autonomy and work-life balance
  • Private practice often reports higher satisfaction

Do private practice dentists make more than employed dentists?

Private practice dentists typically earn 15-30% more than hospital-employed counterparts, though with greater income variability and business risk. Based on SalaryDr data, practice owners and partners often reach the top 10% of earners in their specialty. However, employed positions offer more predictable income, benefits, and less administrative burden.

  • Private practice: 15-30% higher median compensation
  • Greater earning potential but more variability
  • Practice owners bear overhead and business risk
  • Employed roles offer stability and benefits packages

How much does a new dentist make right out of dental school?

New dentists starting their careers earn $150,000-$200,000 in their first year, depending on specialty and location. Many employers offer signing bonuses of $20,000-$50,000+, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs. Salaries increase significantly within the first 3-5 years of practice.

  • Starting salary range: $150,000-$200,000
  • Signing bonuses: $20,000-$50,000+ common
  • Loan repayment programs available
  • Significant salary growth in first 5 years

Should dentists work as 1099 contractors or W-2 employees?

1099/locums dentists earn higher gross pay (often 20-40% more per day) but must pay self-employment tax, purchase their own benefits, and manage malpractice tail coverage. W-2 employees receive lower gross pay but benefit from employer-paid taxes, health insurance, retirement matching, and PTO. The net advantage depends on individual circumstances and hours worked.

  • 1099: Higher day rates, but 15.3% self-employment tax
  • W-2: Lower gross, but employer pays half of payroll taxes
  • Consider health insurance costs ($15,000-$25,000/year)
  • Retirement matching can add $20,000+ in W-2 value

What is the take-home pay for a dentist earning $220,000?

A dentist earning $220,000 gross typically takes home $136,400-$158,400 after federal taxes, state taxes (varies 0-13%), and deductions. High-income strategies like maximizing 401(k), HSA, backdoor Roth IRA, and practice-specific deductions can improve take-home significantly.

  • Gross salary: $220,000
  • Estimated take-home: $136,400-$158,400
  • State tax impact varies by 0-13%
  • Tax-advantaged accounts reduce effective rate

How is physician salary data on SalaryDr collected?

SalaryDr salary data comes from 0+ anonymous submissions from verified dentists across the United States. Each submission includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, practice setting, and years of experience. Data is updated in real-time and outliers are handled statistically to ensure accuracy.

  • 0+ verified salary submissions
  • Anonymous data from practicing professionals
  • Includes base, bonuses, location, and setting
  • Updated in real-time with statistical outlier handling

Help improve salary transparency

Your anonymous submission helps dental professionals negotiate fair compensation.

Submit Your Salary

Dental Salary FAQs

Data-driven answers for Illinois

Live DataUpdated Apr 2026

How much do dentists make in 2026 in Illinois?

The median dentist salary is $220,000 in 2026 in Illinois, based on 0+ verified salary submissions on SalaryDr. The average dentist salary is $241,617, with compensation varying significantly based on specialty, location, experience, and practice setting.

  • Median total compensation: $220,000
  • Average total compensation: $241,617
  • Based on 0+ verified submissions
  • Data updated in real-time as new salaries are reported

What is the base salary vs total compensation for dentists in Illinois?

The median base salary for dentists in Illinois is $180,000, with median bonuses and incentives adding $20,000. Total compensation ($220,000 median) includes base salary, productivity bonuses, signing bonuses, call pay, and other incentives.

  • Median base salary: $180,000
  • Median bonuses/incentives: $20,000
  • Median total compensation: $220,000
  • Bonus structures vary by employer and productivity metrics

How many hours do dentists work per week in Illinois?

Dentists in Illinois work an average of 37 hours per week, based on 0+ verified submissions. This includes clinical hours, administrative duties, charting, and call responsibilities. Work hours vary significantly by specialty and practice setting.

  • Average weekly hours: 37
  • Hours vary significantly by specialty and setting
  • Includes clinical, administrative, and on-call time
  • Part-time and locums arrangements offer flexibility

Are dentists satisfied with their compensation in Illinois?

Dentists in Illinois report 78% satisfaction with their careers, and 100% would choose their specialty again. Satisfaction varies by practice setting, work-life balance, and compensation relative to workload.

  • Career satisfaction: 78%
  • Would choose specialty again: 100%
  • Satisfaction influenced by autonomy and work-life balance
  • Private practice often reports higher satisfaction

Do private practice dentists make more than employed dentists?

Private practice dentists typically earn 15-30% more than hospital-employed counterparts, though with greater income variability and business risk. Based on SalaryDr data, practice owners and partners often reach the top 10% of earners in their specialty. However, employed positions offer more predictable income, benefits, and less administrative burden.

  • Private practice: 15-30% higher median compensation
  • Greater earning potential but more variability
  • Practice owners bear overhead and business risk
  • Employed roles offer stability and benefits packages

How much does a new dentist make right out of dental school?

New dentists starting their careers earn $150,000-$200,000 in their first year, depending on specialty and location. Many employers offer signing bonuses of $20,000-$50,000+, relocation assistance, and loan repayment programs. Salaries increase significantly within the first 3-5 years of practice.

  • Starting salary range: $150,000-$200,000
  • Signing bonuses: $20,000-$50,000+ common
  • Loan repayment programs available
  • Significant salary growth in first 5 years

Should dentists work as 1099 contractors or W-2 employees?

1099/locums dentists earn higher gross pay (often 20-40% more per day) but must pay self-employment tax, purchase their own benefits, and manage malpractice tail coverage. W-2 employees receive lower gross pay but benefit from employer-paid taxes, health insurance, retirement matching, and PTO. The net advantage depends on individual circumstances and hours worked.

  • 1099: Higher day rates, but 15.3% self-employment tax
  • W-2: Lower gross, but employer pays half of payroll taxes
  • Consider health insurance costs ($15,000-$25,000/year)
  • Retirement matching can add $20,000+ in W-2 value

What is the take-home pay for a dentist earning $220,000?

A dentist earning $220,000 gross typically takes home $136,400-$158,400 after federal taxes, state taxes (varies 0-13%), and deductions. High-income strategies like maximizing 401(k), HSA, backdoor Roth IRA, and practice-specific deductions can improve take-home significantly.

  • Gross salary: $220,000
  • Estimated take-home: $136,400-$158,400
  • State tax impact varies by 0-13%
  • Tax-advantaged accounts reduce effective rate

How is physician salary data on SalaryDr collected?

SalaryDr salary data comes from 0+ anonymous submissions from verified dentists across the United States. Each submission includes total compensation, base salary, bonuses, specialty, location, practice setting, and years of experience. Data is updated in real-time and outliers are handled statistically to ensure accuracy.

  • 0+ verified salary submissions
  • Anonymous data from practicing professionals
  • Includes base, bonuses, location, and setting
  • Updated in real-time with statistical outlier handling

Help improve salary transparency

Your anonymous submission helps dental professionals negotiate fair compensation.

Submit Your Salary