Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Carpentersville, IL: $22.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Carpentersville, IL runs $22.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Carpentersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,215 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Carpentersville, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $22.61, which is slightly lower than the national median of $23.84. This hourly wage is indicative of the income potential for both full-time and part-time professionals working in various dental settings such as general dentistry, pediatric offices, and orthodontic practices. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly pay can translate into a substantial income, despite the overall hourly range of $18.53 to $29.21 varying significantly between entry-level positions and top earners. The Carpentersville dental assistant hourly pay reflects local market dynamics and anticipated demand for skilled professionals while also being rooted in projections based on data prior to 2026.
About the Carpentersville 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) | $18.53 | $148.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.39 | $171.13 |
| Median (P50) | $22.61 | $180.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.50 | $219.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.21 | $233.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carpentersville
Based on $22.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.61/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carpentersville, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,025 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,130. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carpentersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carpentersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $904.33 | $3,919 | $47,025 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $542.60 | $2,351 | $28,215 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.73 | $1,568 | $18,810 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Carpentersville) | $22.61 |
| 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 Carpentersville, IL earn a median of $47,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.16% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.50% below the Illinois state average of $48,227.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.61/hr = $28,215/year (purchasing power: $29,058).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,025/year (purchasing power: $48,430).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Carpentersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Carpentersville grew 19.9% from $18.28/hr (2019) to $21.92/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.32/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 Carpentersville 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 Carpentersville
Focusing on the local opportunities, part-time dental assistants working 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $26,425 annually, which is considerably less than their full-time counterparts. Many dental assistants pursue per diem roles, with pay rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour; those in specialized areas such as oral surgery and orthodontics might earn between $28 and $45 per hour. This is a compelling option, especially for those seeking flexible work schedules. Hourly rates can vary depending on the type of employer in Carpentersville; general practices might offer different pay scales compared to specialized orthodontic or oral surgery offices. Additionally, some dental assistants may prioritize health benefits over a higher hourly rate when negotiating their pay. Therefore, effective negotiation strategies are essential; it’s beneficial for workers to understand local pay scales and negotiate based on their unique skill sets and experience, particularly in a market influenced by significant players like Heartland and Aspen Dental.
More salary data for Carpentersville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Carpentersville. 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 Carpentersville 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