Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rock Island, IL: $23.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rock Island, IL runs $23.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rock Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants in 2026 is set at $23.56, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate presents an enticing opportunity for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those working part-time—say three days a week—this translates to a respectable income while allowing for flexibility, especially in demanding environments like general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, or oral surgery suites. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $17.95 per hour, while experienced professionals may reach up to $28.78 per hour. These figures, estimated from annual salary data, highlight the potential for growth in this rewarding dental career, particularly in a city where the cost of living is slightly below the national average.
About the Rock Island 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) | $17.95 | $143.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.72 | $181.77 |
| Median (P50) | $23.56 | $188.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.71 | $221.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.78 | $230.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Island
Based on $23.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.56/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Island, IL can expect to earn approximately $48,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,269. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rock Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $942.29 | $4,083 | $48,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $565.37 | $2,450 | $29,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.91 | $1,633 | $19,600 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rock Island) | $23.56 |
| 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 Rock Island, IL earn a median of $48,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.18% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.60% above the Illinois state average of $48,223.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.56/hr = $29,399/year (purchasing power: $30,277).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,999/year (purchasing power: $50,462).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rock Island grew 19.9% from $19.04/hr (2019) to $22.84/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.30/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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island
Even for part-time positions, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week will take home about $29,170 annually, which can be a viable option for those seeking supplemental income or work-life balance. Per diem dental assistant pay in Rock Island typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialty fields such as oral surgery and orthodontics commanding rates between $28 and $45 per hour. Employers like solo practices, large group operations, and dental service organizations (DSOs) may offer differing hourly wages, reflecting the evolving landscape of dental care. While some may choose positions with lower pay for included benefits such as health insurance, others might pursue higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating pay is crucial; applicants can leverage their skills and potential certification through organizations like DANB and ADAA to enhance their bargaining position in this competitive market for dental assistant hourly pay in Rock Island, IL.
More salary data for Rock Island, 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 Rock Island. 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 Rock Island 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