Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $22.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Normal, IL runs $22.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,753 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Normal's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,048 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Normal, Illinois, a dental assistant's hourly pay stands at a median of $22.47, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day work schedule, this rate translates to a solid income based on a typical weekly commitment, especially in environments like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites. The hourly range for dental assistants in Normal varies significantly between entry-level pay at $16.95 and top earners earning up to $28.78. This variation reflects the level of experience and specialization, with many positions found within different practice settings. It’s crucial for aspiring dental assistants to understand that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimations, influencing both short-term and long-term financial planning in their careers.
About the Normal 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) | $16.95 | $135.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.25 | $161.97 |
| Median (P50) | $22.47 | $179.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.06 | $216.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.78 | $230.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $22.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.47/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,746 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,969. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $898.97 | $3,896 | $46,746 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $539.38 | $2,337 | $28,048 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $359.59 | $1,558 | $18,699 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Normal) | $22.47 |
| 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 Normal, IL earn a median of $46,753 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.70% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $48,199.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.47/hr = $28,048/year (purchasing power: $28,885).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,746/year (purchasing power: $48,142).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Normal grew 19.9% from $18.17/hr (2019) to $21.79/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.18/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 Normal 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 Normal
For those considering a part-time position as a dental assistant, working a 3-day week (approximately 24 hours) could yield a considerable annual income—typically less than full-time earnings but still competitive in the local market. Many dental assistants look to per-diem positions for added flexibility, where rates often range from $22 to $35 per hour, particularly in specialty areas like oral surgery and orthodontics, where per-diem rates can reach $28 to $45 per hour. Different practice types in Normal, such as solo general practices versus multi-location DSOs like Heartland or Aspen, can impact pay scales and benefit options. Some dental assistants choose lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance or retirement plans, highlighting the balance between immediate pay and long-term security. When negotiating pay, understanding the local market dynamics and being aware of the comparative hourly rates across different dental settings can empower candidates to secure a more favorable position.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Normal in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Normal?
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How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Normal?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Normal?
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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 Normal. 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 Normal 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