Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Schererville, IN: $23.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Schererville, IN runs $23.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Schererville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Schererville, Indiana, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $23.47, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This wage offers a competitive salary for those working in diverse settings such as general dental practices, pediatric offices, and specialty surgical suites. For dental assistants who prefer part-time work, such as those available three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a solid income for roughly 24 hours of work per week. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn approximately $18.25, while top earners in the field can see rates rise to $30.55. These figures are estimated based on annual salary projections, reflecting the local market conditions where dental assistant hourly rates can vary significantly by experience and specific job duties in Schererville.
About the Schererville Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.25 | $145.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.39 | $179.13 |
| Median (P50) | $23.47 | $187.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.37 | $218.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.55 | $244.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Schererville
Based on $23.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.47/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Schererville, IN can expect to earn approximately $48,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,170. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Schererville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Schererville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $938.99 | $4,069 | $48,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.39 | $2,441 | $29,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.59 | $1,628 | $19,531 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Schererville) | $23.47 |
| 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 Schererville, IN earn a median of $48,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.51% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.90% below the Indiana state average of $49,775.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.47/hr = $29,296/year (purchasing power: $32,088).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,827/year (purchasing power: $53,480).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Schererville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Schererville grew 19.9% from $18.98/hr (2019) to $22.76/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.21/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 Schererville 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 Schererville
Exploring the financial dynamics of dental assistant work reveals some interesting insights, particularly for those considering part-time and per diem roles. A dental assistant working part-time, for instance, can expect to take home around $28,000 annually, whereas full-time employees would earn significantly more, enhancing the appeal of full-time positions that often come with benefits. For per diem dental assistants in Schererville, billing rates can vary, usually falling between $22-$35 per hour, with specialty areas like oral surgery and orthodontics providing even higher opportunities, ranging from $28 to $45 per hour. The compensation structure also varies widely depending on the employer type—general practices, specialty offices, and dental schools each have their own pay scales influenced by factors like facility size and patient volume. As a result, some professionals might opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for job security and benefits. When negotiating hourly wages, it's critical for dental assistants to assess their unique value, skills, and the specific demands of the role they seek in the evolving landscape of the dental industry in Schererville.
More salary data for Schererville, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Schererville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Schererville?
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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 Schererville. 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 Schererville 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