Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Niles, MI: $22.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Niles, MI runs $22.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,620 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Niles's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.4, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,576 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Niles, Michigan, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $22.90, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This compensation reflects the opportunities available in various settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric exam rooms, and oral surgery suites, providing a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time work. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, the ability to earn between $19.39 and $28.78 per hour offers flexibility and a decent wage. The hourly range acknowledges the diverse experience levels within the profession, enabling entry-level assistants to start at around $19.39 while more seasoned practitioners in specialized practices can earn rates up to $28.78. This data, derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, sheds light on the economic landscape for dental assistants in Niles.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.39 | $155.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.43 | $179.46 |
| Median (P50) | $22.90 | $183.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.60 | $220.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.78 | $230.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Niles
Based on $22.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.90/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Niles, MI can expect to earn approximately $47,626 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,476. With a cost-of-living index of 92.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Niles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Niles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $915.88 | $3,969 | $47,626 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $549.53 | $2,381 | $28,576 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $366.35 | $1,588 | $19,050 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Niles) | $22.90 |
| 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 Niles, MI earn a median of $47,620 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.95% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.60% below the Michigan state average of $48,394.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.90/hr = $28,576/year (purchasing power: $30,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,626/year (purchasing power: $51,560).
CoL index: 92.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Niles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Niles grew 26.1% from $17.61/hr (2019) to $22.20/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.62/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 Niles 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 Niles
Evaluating part-time opportunities reveals a dental assistant working three days per week, which amounts to about 24 hours a week, can make approximately $28,467 annually—considerably lower than what a full-time worker might earn. Per diem dental assistants in Niles often see rates between $22 and $35 per hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially earning between $28 and $45 per hour. The variability in rates depends significantly on the type of employer; for instance, general dental practices, pediatric offices, and larger DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen Dental may have standardized pay scales that lean towards the median, while specialty practices often offer higher wages. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly rates to secure employment with benefits such as health insurance, while others may prefer higher hourly wages without such perks. Negotiating effectively is crucial; understanding local rates and aligning them with personal financial needs can empower dental assistants in Niles to secure more favorable pay.
More salary data for Niles, MI:
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 Niles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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