Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Arlington Heights, IL: $22.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Arlington Heights, IL runs $22.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Arlington Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,473 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington Heights, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected at $22.81, slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This figure is particularly relevant for individuals seeking part-time positions or per diem work. For example, a dental assistant working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could expect to earn around $547 with this hourly rate, providing a sustainable income for those balancing multiple responsibilities. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $18.40 per hour, while experienced dental assistants can earn up to $29.88 per hour, showcasing a range that accommodates various expertise levels in settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and specialized surgical suites.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.40 | $147.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.45 | $171.62 |
| Median (P50) | $22.81 | $182.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.88 | $223.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.88 | $239.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington Heights
Based on $22.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.81/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington Heights, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,454 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,377. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $912.58 | $3,955 | $47,454 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $547.55 | $2,373 | $28,473 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.03 | $1,582 | $18,982 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Arlington Heights) | $22.81 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $47,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.28% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $48,228.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.81/hr = $28,473/year (purchasing power: $29,323).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,454/year (purchasing power: $48,872).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Arlington Heights grew 19.9% from $18.44/hr (2019) to $22.12/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.53/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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 Arlington Heights
Part-time roles can significantly impact financial strategies; a dental assistant working 24 hours weekly would take home about $28,464 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time salary. For those exploring per diem opportunities, rates can vary widely, with typical billing falling between $22 and $35 per hour, and specialty roles in oral surgery and orthodontics offering $28 to $45 per hour. As various employers in Arlington Heights—ranging from private dental practices to larger chains like Heartland and Aspen—adopt standardized pay scales, hourly rates can shift accordingly. Dental assistants may choose between lower hourly rates with benefits or higher rates without. Negotiation tips for prospective employees include emphasizing relevant experience and certifications, particularly when applying for positions that value expanded function authority, which can lead to higher earning potential.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Arlington Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Arlington Heights?
Are dental assistants in Arlington Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Arlington Heights?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Arlington Heights?
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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.
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 Arlington Heights. 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 Arlington Heights is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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