Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Oswego, IL: $22.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Oswego, IL runs $22.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,442 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Oswego's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,868 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oswego, Illinois, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.33 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median hourly wage of $23.84. This rate means that dental assistants working on a part-time basis, typically a 3-day work week, can expect to earn around $1,600 monthly, providing a stable income for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem opportunities in settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, orthodontic procedures, and more can vary widely. The hourly compensation for entry-level dental assistants starts at about $18.43, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $28.31, highlighting the potential for financial growth within the field.
About the Oswego 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) | $18.43 | $147.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.29 | $170.30 |
| Median (P50) | $22.33 | $178.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.84 | $214.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.31 | $226.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oswego
Based on $22.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.33/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oswego, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,796. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oswego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oswego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $893.19 | $3,871 | $46,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $535.92 | $2,322 | $27,868 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.28 | $1,548 | $18,578 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Oswego) | $22.33 |
| 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 Oswego, IL earn a median of $46,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.33% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.70% below the Illinois state average of $48,226.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.33/hr = $27,868/year (purchasing power: $28,700).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,446/year (purchasing power: $47,833).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Oswego grew 19.9% from $18.05/hr (2019) to $21.65/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.03/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 Oswego 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 Oswego
Looking beyond the standard hourly pay structure, part-time dental assistants in Oswego can earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, with annual earnings reflecting their reduced hours. Per-diem roles also introduce variability, as these workers often charge between $22 and $35 per hour, particularly in specialized fields like oral surgery and orthodontics, where rates can climb to $28-$45. Diverse employment types contribute to this range; for instance, dental assistants in large dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Pacific Dental may encounter standardized pay scales, whereas practices with less structure might offer more room for negotiation. Additional benefits, such as health insurance, often come with traditional roles where hourly rates might be lower, making it a crucial consideration for those entering the workforce. For successful negotiation, dental assistants should bring their credentials, including DANB certification or EFDA status, which can be pivotal in securing desirable pay in Oswego's dental community.
More salary data for Oswego, 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 Oswego. 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 Oswego 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