Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Skokie, IL: $22.67 (2026)

Amidst the shifting tide of dental practices, many Skokie dental assistants find themselves weighing choices that affect their take-home pay significantly. A part-time dental assistant working 24 hours per week could realistically bring home about $28,070 annually, compared to a full-time assistant who might see a larger yearly income, thus emphasizing the financial implications of employment type. Per diem and agency work is another avenue for many dental assistants, who frequently charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery and orthodontics often demanding pay rates that can climb higher, from $28 to $45 per hour. Furthermore, hourly wages can fluctuate depending on the type of employer; general practices often pay differently from specialty offices or larger dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen, where the pay scales are typically standardized. While some dental assistants may accept lower hourly rates for the security of benefits like health insurance, others opt for higher-paying positions that offer more flexible schedules. For those looking to negotiate their pay, emphasizing relevant certifications or expanded function skills can prove advantageous in the competitive job market of Skokie, IL.