Aurora vs Rockford: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Aurora, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,959 | $90,374▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.36 | $43.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,489 | $82,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,876 | $85,830▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,234 | $102,306▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,510▲ | $102,411 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Aurora and Rockford is $6,415 (7.64%). 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 Aurora spans $45,021,Rockford spans $20,128. Aurora 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, Rockford ($98,068 effective) pays 13.42% more than Aurora ($86,467 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,510)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Aurora grew 7.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Aurora, IL
$74,656 (2020) → $80,007 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$75,650 (2020) → $86,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, IL
Rockford, 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