Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Oak Lawn, IL: $22.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Oak Lawn, IL runs $22.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Oak Lawn's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,189 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Lawn, Illinois, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $22.59 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $23.84. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, this rate translates into a steadier income while allowing flexibility in personal schedules. Per-diem workers can expect varied earnings as they navigate roles in general dental offices, pediatric exam rooms, or orthodontic practices, earning from $17.77 as entry-level to upwards of $29.15 for experienced professionals. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary estimates, highlighting both the opportunities and variations within the local dental assistant job market.
About the Oak Lawn 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) | $17.77 | $142.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.48 | $163.87 |
| Median (P50) | $22.59 | $180.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.33 | $218.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.15 | $233.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Lawn
Based on $22.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.59/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Lawn, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,982 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,105. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Lawn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Lawn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $903.51 | $3,915 | $46,982 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $542.10 | $2,349 | $28,189 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.40 | $1,566 | $18,793 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Oak Lawn) | $22.59 |
| 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 Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $46,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.22% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $48,245.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.59/hr = $28,189/year (purchasing power: $29,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,982/year (purchasing power: $48,386).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Oak Lawn grew 19.9% from $18.26/hr (2019) to $21.90/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.30/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 Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn
Diving into the earning potential reveals that a dental assistant working three days a week, averaging about 24 hours, could bring home $27,016 per year, which is a fraction of what a full-time assistant might earn but can still provide a reasonable income depending on personal circumstances and lifestyle. Per-diem dental assistants in Oak Lawn often have the flexibility to bill between $22 and $35 an hour, with dental specialists sometimes commanding $28 to $45 for their expertise. This broad range emphasizes how different employer types—ranging from general practices to specialty offices—influence hourly compensation. Additionally, many dental assistants must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and slightly lower rates that include health insurance. When considering negotiations, being informed about common pay rates for similar positions in the area is essential for success.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Oak Lawn in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Oak Lawn?
Are dental assistants in Oak Lawn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Oak Lawn?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Lawn?
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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 Oak Lawn. 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 Oak Lawn 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