Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lombard, IL: $22.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lombard, IL runs $22.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,726 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lombard's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,035 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lombard, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants in 2026 stands at $22.46. While this figure is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $23.84, it still reflects a reasonably competitive compensation in the local market. For part-time workers, particularly those operating on a three-day-per-week schedule, this hourly rate translates to a weekly income that can lead to a comfortable lifestyle, especially when considering roles in various dental settings, from general practices to specialized clinics. The broader hourly range in Lombard stretches from $17.01, commensurate with entry-level positions, to $28.76 for experienced professionals. These estimates are drawn from annual salary data and depict the pay landscape for dental assistants, providing a glimpse into earnings potential for those entering or advancing in the field.
About the Lombard 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) | $17.01 | $136.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.59 | $172.70 |
| Median (P50) | $22.46 | $179.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.16 | $217.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.76 | $230.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lombard
Based on $22.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.46/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lombard, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,725 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,957. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lombard.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lombard
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.56 | $3,894 | $46,725 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.13 | $2,336 | $28,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.42 | $1,557 | $18,690 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lombard) | $22.46 |
| 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 Lombard, IL earn a median of $46,726 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.75% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.10% below the Illinois state average of $48,220.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.46/hr = $28,035/year (purchasing power: $28,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,725/year (purchasing power: $48,120).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lombard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lombard grew 19.9% from $18.16/hr (2019) to $21.78/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.17/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 Lombard 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 Lombard
Exploring part-time opportunities can illuminate significant earning potential. Working as a dental assistant for three days a week (about 24 hours) allows individuals to net a substantial income annually, though it will naturally be less than what full-time colleagues earn. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Lombard commonly ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with surgical and orthodontic specialties often commanding higher rates between $28 and $45. Different types of employers affect hourly rates significantly; those in general practices may receive different compensation than dental assistants in pediatric groups or oral surgery settings. Many dental assistants opt for higher hourly wages that lack benefits, while others may take lower pay in exchange for health insurance and other perks. When negotiating hourly rates in Lombard, it's advantageous to highlight any specialized certifications or experience, as well as understanding the relationship between hourly pay and benefits. Factors such as the evolving role of dental support organizations (DSOs) may also present unique negotiation dynamics.
More salary data for Lombard, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lombard in 2026?
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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 Lombard. 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 Lombard 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