Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Orland Park, IL: $23.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Orland Park, IL runs $23.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,897 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Orland Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,335 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orland Park, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $23.51, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate is significant for both part-time employees, who may work 24 hours a week across various settings such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms, and per-diem workers who gain flexibility. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $18.21 per hour, while more experienced professionals may reach upwards of $29.86. These figures reflect the estimated hourly rates derived from annual salary data, indicating that the earnings are aligned with local demand and the competitive nature of the dental services market in Orland Park.
About the Orland Park 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) | $18.21 | $145.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.55 | $172.37 |
| Median (P50) | $23.51 | $188.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.16 | $225.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.86 | $238.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orland Park
Based on $23.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.51/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orland Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,892 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,207. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Orland Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orland Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $940.22 | $4,074 | $48,892 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.13 | $2,445 | $29,335 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.09 | $1,630 | $19,557 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Orland Park) | $23.51 |
| 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 Orland Park, IL earn a median of $48,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.38% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $48,222.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.51/hr = $29,335/year (purchasing power: $30,211).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,892/year (purchasing power: $50,352).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Orland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Orland Park grew 19.9% from $19.00/hr (2019) to $22.79/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.24/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 Orland Park 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 Orland Park
The earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Orland Park can vary widely, particularly for those working three days a week, who may take home significantly less than those in full-time roles. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the hourly rate would translate to notably lower annual income compared to full-time positions. The per diem dental assistant pay in Orland Park ranges from $22 to $35 for general roles, with specialty positions like oral surgery or orthodontics offering pay from $28 to $45 per hour. Employment settings also influence wages; larger dental service organizations like Heartland or Aspen might standardize pay, offering structured increases, while private practices may provide greater flexibility but less stability. Some dental assistants opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits, demonstrating the trade-offs inherent in this profession. Negotiating effectively can lead to more favorable terms; workers in the area can benefit from understanding the local employment landscape and knowing their worth in a competitive market.
More salary data for Orland Park, 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 Orland Park. 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 Orland Park 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