Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Woodridge, IL: $22.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Woodridge, IL runs $22.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Woodridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,434 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woodridge, Illinois, the projected dental assistant hourly pay for 2026 stands at $22.78, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This compensation reflects the typical work environment for dental assistants, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and various specialty practices. For part-time employees working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a stable income, making it feasible to manage work-life balance. The hourly pay range is diverse, starting from $17.75 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $27.51 for experienced professionals in high-demand specialties. Such structures in pay help accommodate both freshly minted dental assistants and seasoned veterans in various settings throughout Woodridge, from school clinics to surgical suites.
About the Woodridge 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) | $17.75 | $142.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.89 | $167.09 |
| Median (P50) | $22.78 | $182.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.59 | $212.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.51 | $220.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodridge
Based on $22.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.78/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodridge, IL can expect to earn approximately $47,390 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,340. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Woodridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $911.35 | $3,949 | $47,390 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $546.81 | $2,369 | $28,434 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $364.54 | $1,580 | $18,956 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Woodridge) | $22.78 |
| 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 Woodridge, IL earn a median of $47,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.44% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $48,200.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.78/hr = $28,434/year (purchasing power: $29,283).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,390/year (purchasing power: $48,805).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Woodridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodridge grew 19.9% from $18.42/hr (2019) to $22.09/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.50/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 Woodridge 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 Woodridge
For those considering part-time roles, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to earn approximately $29,903 annually, which is a practical choice for many who value flexibility. Per diem dental assistant pay in Woodridge varies widely, with average rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour in typical settings, while specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command between $28 and $45 per hour. Different employer types, including independent practices, larger DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen, and specialty offices, often have varying pay scales, leading to different experiences based on where one is employed. Some dental assistants may trade higher hourly pay for benefits such as health insurance offered by full-time positions, making it essential to weigh both pay and perks during negotiations. Additionally, maintaining active communication about pay during contract discussions can enhance earning potential in a competitive market like Woodridge.
More salary data for Woodridge, 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 Woodridge. 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 Woodridge 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