Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Springfield, IL: $22.51 (2026)

For part-time dental assistants in Springfield, working a 24-hour week could result in an annual income of approximately $28,321. This is in stark contrast to full-time colleagues earning a full-time salary, emphasizing the financial implications of part-time roles. Many per-diem dental assistants in Springfield find themselves billing between $22 and $35 an hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially earning between $28 and $45 per hour. This flexibility can be appealing for those seeking to balance work with other commitments. When considering different employer types, hourly rates can fluctuate. General dental practices might offer a lower hourly compensation compared to specialized offices, while practices within the DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen tend to have standardized pay structures that can affect negotiation dynamics. Often, dental assistants may decide to accept a slightly lower hourly pay for the benefits that come with a full-time role, such as health insurance, especially with the growing consolidation in the dental sector pushing for more streamlined employment practices. Practical negotiation strategies, such as highlighting your specialized skills like DANB credentials or expanded function authority credentials, can position you favorably when discussing compensation in the Springfield area.