Dental Assistant Pay

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Algonquin, IL: $22.49 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Algonquin, IL runs $22.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,797 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Algonquin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,074 per year.

$46,797
Median Annual Salary
$22.49/hr
Hourly Rate
$35,347
Entry Level (P10)
$60,036
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental Assistant Hourly Rate in Algonquin, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Algonquin, IL dental assistant hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Algonquin, Illinois, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $22.49, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid income for those working in various dental settings, including general practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this rate translates to a manageable lifestyle, allowing them to balance work and personal commitments. With an hourly range from $17.00 at the entry level to $28.86 for experienced professionals, there is potential for growth within this role, especially in environments that emphasize expanded function authority and engage with multiple dental specialties.

About the Algonquin Market

Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$17.00$135.98
Lower Range (P25)$21.66$173.28
Median (P50)$22.49$179.96
Upper Range (P75)$27.24$217.91
Top Earners (P90)$28.86$230.87

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Algonquin

Based on $22.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a dental assistant in Algonquin earning $22.49/hr would make approximately $26,994 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $46,789 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$26,994Reduced (32 hr/wk)$35,992Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$46,789

At $22.49/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Algonquin, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,789 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,994. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Algonquin.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$179.96
per 8hr shift
$899.79
per week
$3,899
per month
$46,789
per year

Schedule Comparison in Algonquin

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$899.79$3,899$46,789
Part-Time (24 hrs)$539.88$2,339$28,074
Per Diem (16 hrs)$359.92$1,560$18,716

Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Dental Assistant (Algonquin)$22.49
Dental Hygienist (National Avg)$42.45
Medical Assistant (National Avg)$20.14
Pharmacy Technician (National Avg)$19.27
Phlebotomist (National Avg)$20.36
Horizontal bar chart comparing dental assistant median salary in Algonquin ($46,797) with Illinois average ($48,244) and the US national median ($49,579).Algonquin$46,797Illinois Avg$48,244-3.00%US National$49,579-5.61%

Dental Assistants in Algonquin, IL earn a median of $46,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.61% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $48,244.

Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $22.49/hr = $28,074/year (purchasing power: $28,912).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,789/year (purchasing power: $48,187).

CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$18.18/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$21.81/hr

2026 Current Est.

$22.49/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+27.6%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Algonquin (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for dental assistants in Algonquin. Baseline $18.18/hr in 2025, projected to $23.20/hr by 2027.$16$18$20$22$242019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$18.18$18.68$17.54$20.34$21.12$20.84$21.81$22.49$23.20
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$18.18/hrActual
2020$18.68/hrActual
2021$17.54/hrActual
2022$20.34/hrActual
2023$21.12/hrActual
2024$20.84/hrActual
2025$21.81/hrActual
2026(current)$22.49/hrEstimated
2027$23.20/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Algonquin grew 19.9% from $18.18/hr (2019) to $21.81/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Algonquin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Algonquin

Considering the realities of the dental assisting field, part-time positions can yield significantly different annual earnings compared to full-time roles, particularly for those working 24 hours per week. While full-time dental assistants can potentially earn sustainable income, per diem dental assistant pay in Algonquin varies widely; those stepping into temporary roles may bill rates from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty areas seeing figures between $28 and $45. The growth of dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen has influenced employer types, making hourly rates fluctuate based on the practice’s focus. Many dental assistants often face a decision between higher hourly rates and the security of benefits such as health insurance, particularly when considering opportunities for temporary positions through agencies like Cloud Dentistry. For those negotiating their hourly pay, being informed about the local market trends and preparation can greatly impact one’s compensation negotiation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Algonquin in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for dental assistants in Algonquin is $22.49/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.14% annual growth). Rates range from $17.00 at entry level (10th percentile) to $28.86 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 5.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time dental assistants make in Algonquin?

A part-time dental assistant working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Algonquin earns approximately $2,339/month, or $28,074/year at the median hourly rate of $22.49. Many dental assistants prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are dental assistants in Algonquin paid hourly or salary?

The majority of dental assistants in Algonquin are paid hourly at a median rate of $22.49/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $46,789/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Algonquin?

A full-time dental assistant working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Algonquin earns approximately $46,789/year at the median hourly rate of $22.49. This is 5.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $60,026/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Algonquin?

Part-time and per diem dental assistants in Algonquin sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $28.86/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH

Career Analyst

Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.

Clinically reviewed by James Thompson, CDAData verified by Aisha Patel, CDA, MA

Methodology & Data Source

Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Algonquin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Algonquin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).

Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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