Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $22.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Downers Grove, IL runs $22.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,008 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,610 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Downers Grove, Illinois, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $22.12, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This hourly rate implies that part-time professionals working three days a week could earn approximately $33,000, while per-diem workers in this position find varied opportunities across settings like general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and oral surgery facilities. The hourly pay scale ranges from $18.01 for entry-level positions to $28.44 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experience and specialization within the field. While these figures are projected estimates, they offer valuable insights into the earning potential for dental assistants working in various clinical environments across Downers Grove.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $18.01 | $144.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.84 | $166.76 |
| Median (P50) | $22.12 | $176.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.82 | $214.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.44 | $227.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $22.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.12/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,017 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,548. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $884.94 | $3,835 | $46,017 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $530.96 | $2,301 | $27,610 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.98 | $1,534 | $18,407 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Downers Grove) | $22.12 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $46,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.20% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $48,226.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.12/hr = $27,610/year (purchasing power: $28,435).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,017/year (purchasing power: $47,391).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Downers Grove grew 19.9% from $17.88/hr (2019) to $21.45/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.82/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 Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
For those considering a part-time role as a dental assistant or engaging in per-diem work, the financial aspects can be compelling yet complex. Typically, a dental assistant who works three days a week can expect to bring home a different annual figure compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistants often charge between $22 to $35 an hour, with specialization in areas like oral surgery or orthodontics allowing some to bill rates as high as $28 to $45 an hour. Institutions such as general dental practices, pediatric specialty offices, and DSO chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental influence hourly wages considerably; their established pay scales can vary widely. Moreover, while some may opt for lower wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others might pursue higher hourly rates without additional perks. It’s essential for dental assistants in Downers Grove to negotiate thoughtfully based on these dynamics to maximize their earning potential and align with their professional needs.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Downers Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Downers Grove?
Are dental assistants in Downers Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Downers Grove?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Downers Grove?
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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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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