Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in St. Charles, IL: $22.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in St. Charles, IL runs $22.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against St. Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,524 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Charles, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.86 in 2026, slightly below the national average of $23.84. This figure is significant for those considering various work arrangements, such as part-time or per-diem positions, which are common across settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites. For individuals working three days per week, this translates into a stable income while allowing flexibility. The hourly range for dental assistants in St. Charles varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $17.96 and top earners reaching as high as $27.74. These rates, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect the competitive environment of the dental field here in Illinois.
About the St. Charles 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) | $17.96 | $143.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.05 | $168.41 |
| Median (P50) | $22.86 | $182.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.79 | $214.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.74 | $221.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Charles
Based on $22.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.86/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Charles, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,427. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $914.23 | $3,962 | $47,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $548.54 | $2,377 | $28,524 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $365.69 | $1,585 | $19,016 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (St. Charles) | $22.86 |
| 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 St. Charles, IL earn a median of $47,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.12% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $48,209.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.86/hr = $28,524/year (purchasing power: $29,376).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,540/year (purchasing power: $48,960).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in St. Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in St. Charles grew 19.9% from $18.48/hr (2019) to $22.16/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.57/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 St. Charles 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 St. Charles
When examining the earning potential for dental assistants, especially those considering part-time work, the financial outlook shifts. A dental assistant working 24 hours weekly could expect an annual income of roughly $28,000, significantly less than that of a full-time counterpart. The per diem landscape offers additional avenues, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 for standard shifts, while specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command $28 to $45 per hour. Hourly wages often fluctuate depending on the employer type, as general dental practices, pediatric offices, and specialty surgeries each have their compensation structures. Many dental assistants might opt for positions with slightly lower pay but include health benefits, creating a trade-off that can affect long-term financial security. For those navigating salary discussions, it's wise to emphasize unique skills, such as expanded function authority qualifications or certifications from organizations like DANB, to secure better hourly rates in St. Charles.
More salary data for St. Charles, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in St. Charles in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in St. Charles?
Are dental assistants in St. Charles paid hourly or salary?
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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 St. Charles. 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 St. Charles 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