Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hoffman Estates, IL: $23.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hoffman Estates, IL runs $23.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,045 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hoffman Estates's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,833 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Dental assistants in Hoffman Estates, IL, earn a median hourly rate of $23.10, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly pay reflects the competitive nature of the field, especially for those working in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, and specialty practices like oral surgery. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this means an income that can still provide tangible financial benefits, while per-diem workers can choose from shifts based on their availability, often earning competitive rates. The hourly wage range varies significantly, from entry-level positions at $17.23 to experienced dental assistants reaching up to $29.35, showcasing the potential for earnings as one progresses in their career.
About the Hoffman Estates 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) | $17.23 | $137.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.68 | $165.44 |
| Median (P50) | $23.10 | $184.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.68 | $221.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.35 | $234.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hoffman Estates
Based on $23.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.10/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hoffman Estates, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,055 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,724. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hoffman Estates.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hoffman Estates
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $924.13 | $4,005 | $48,055 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $554.48 | $2,403 | $28,833 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.65 | $1,602 | $19,222 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hoffman Estates) | $23.10 |
| 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 Hoffman Estates, IL earn a median of $48,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.09% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.40% below the Illinois state average of $48,238.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.10/hr = $28,833/year (purchasing power: $29,694).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,055/year (purchasing power: $49,490).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hoffman Estates (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hoffman Estates grew 19.9% from $18.68/hr (2019) to $22.40/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.83/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 Hoffman Estates 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 Hoffman Estates
Focusing on the earning potential within Hoffman Estates, a part-time dental assistant working a typical 24-hour week could expect to take home approximately $29,120 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time assistant earning closer to $48,045. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Hoffman Estates varies widely, with rates generally falling between $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery and orthodontics commanding higher figures, reaching up to $45 per hour. Employment opportunities across multiple types of dental practices—including solo practitioners, larger dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen, and specialty clinics—also influence hourly pay. Consequently, the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and positions offering health insurance becomes essential for many dental assistants. For those looking to pursue or advance in their careers, negotiation strategies should consider market rates and the value of additional certifications, such as DANB credentials, which can significantly impact earning potential.
More salary data for Hoffman Estates, 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 Hoffman Estates. 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 Hoffman Estates 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