Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$58,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$54,206 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$47,607 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $58,000 | $77,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,660 | $59,290▲ | -$14,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,240 | $98,560▲ | -$24,320 |
| 90th Percentile | $92,800 | $123,200▲ | -$30,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $54,206▲ | $47,531 | +$6,675 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $50,939 | $71,148▲ | -$20,209 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $47,607▲ | $43,919 | +$3,688 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 145,000 | -57,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $19,000 more (median: $58,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($54,206 vs $47,531 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.