Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $23.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Evanston, IL runs $23.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,953 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,769 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, dental assistants can expect a median hourly pay of $23.05, which is slightly lower than the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate is relevant for both full-time workers and those engaged in part-time or per-diem roles across various dental environments, including general dentistry, pediatric practices, orthodontic offices, and surgical suites. For part-time positions, working three days a week typically entails taking home between $17.13 (entry-level positions) to $30.61 (top earners), reflecting the diversity of skills and responsibilities within the role. These hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data and indicate a growing market, driven by the ongoing consolidation of dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, which have standardized pay to attract skilled professionals.
About the Evanston 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) | $17.13 | $137.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.59 | $164.69 |
| Median (P50) | $23.05 | $184.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.49 | $227.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.61 | $244.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $23.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.05/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,948 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,662. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $922.07 | $3,996 | $47,948 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $553.24 | $2,397 | $28,769 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $368.83 | $1,598 | $19,179 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Evanston) | $23.05 |
| 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 Evanston, IL earn a median of $47,953 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.28% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $48,242.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.05/hr = $28,769/year (purchasing power: $29,628).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,948/year (purchasing power: $49,380).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Evanston grew 19.9% from $18.64/hr (2019) to $22.35/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.78/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 Evanston 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 Evanston
When evaluating part-time earnings, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week would realistically make about $28,000 annually compared to a full-time peer, highlighting the trade-offs many make for work-life balance. Per-diem dental assistants in Evanston can anticipate varying hourly compensation depending on the specialty; for example, rates can soar between $22 and $35 generally, while those focusing on oral surgery and orthodontics may see rates climb to $28-$45 per hour. The type of practice also plays a significant role in determining pay structure—general practices might offer less than specialty offices focused on pediatrics or oral surgery. It's essential for dental assistants considering job offers to weigh the balance between higher hourly wages with limited benefits against slightly lower wages with health insurance options. For negotiation, showcasing certifications, such as DANB or EFDA, and highlighting experience with DSO chains can strengthen one's position, especially in a competitive market like Evanston, IL.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Evanston in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Evanston?
Are dental assistants in Evanston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Evanston?
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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 Evanston. 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 Evanston 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