Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Park Ridge, IL: $22.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Park Ridge, IL runs $22.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,367 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Park Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,816 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Park Ridge, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants in 2026 is $22.29, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time workers within various dental settings, including general dentistry operatories and specialized treatment areas like orthodontics and oral surgery. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, or those in per-diem roles, this rate translates to approximately $1,071 weekly if working 24 hours. The hourly range for dental assistants in the region varies widely, from $18.43 for entry-level positions to $28.20 for those at the top end of the pay scale, reflecting the differing responsibilities and expertise required in these roles.
About the Park Ridge 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) | $21.22 | $169.73 |
| Median (P50) | $22.29 | $178.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.91 | $207.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.20 | $225.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Park Ridge
Based on $22.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.29/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Park Ridge, IL can expect to earn approximately $46,360 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,746. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Park Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Park Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $891.54 | $3,863 | $46,360 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.93 | $2,318 | $27,816 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.62 | $1,545 | $18,544 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Park Ridge) | $22.29 |
| 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 Park Ridge, IL earn a median of $46,367 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.48% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $48,198.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.29/hr = $27,816/year (purchasing power: $28,647).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,360/year (purchasing power: $47,745).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Park Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Park Ridge grew 19.9% from $18.02/hr (2019) to $21.61/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.99/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 Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge
Considering part-time earnings, a dental assistant working 24 hours weekly can expect to take home about $55,266 annually, compared to a full-time colleague's higher earnings. Per-diem dental assistants, commonly engaged through agencies, often earn between $22-$35 per hour, and those working in specialties like oral surgery may see rates rise to between $28 and $45. The type of employer also influences hourly pay significantly; for instance, dental assistants in solo practices may offer different compensation than those in large group practices or corporate entities like Heartland Dental or Aspen Dental. Many dental assistants may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for full benefits packages, while others might pursue higher hourly pay without the security of health insurance. Negotiating pay is essential in sectors like this, where understanding the market rates and articulating one’s value in the context of specialization can lead to more favorable compensation.
More salary data for Park Ridge, 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 Park Ridge. 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 Park Ridge 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