Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Appleton, WI: $23.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Appleton, WI runs $23.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Appleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.4, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,232 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Appleton, Wisconsin, the median hourly pay for dental assistants stands at $23.42, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate presents a competitive opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers, with those employed three days a week typically earning a stable income that can support their living expenses. Per-diem dental assistants working in various settings—including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic chair rows—find that their hourly earnings can vary, with entry-level positions starting around $21.93 and experienced professionals reaching up to $29.94. These figures reflect the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026, helping to inform expectations for those considering a career in dental assisting within the local job market.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.93 | $175.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.64 | $181.11 |
| Median (P50) | $23.42 | $187.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.15 | $225.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.94 | $239.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Appleton
Based on $23.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.42/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Appleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $48,720 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,108. With a cost-of-living index of 92.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Appleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Appleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.92 | $4,060 | $48,720 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.15 | $2,436 | $29,232 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.77 | $1,624 | $19,488 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Appleton) | $23.42 |
| 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 Appleton, WI earn a median of $48,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.73% lower than the national median of $49,579.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.42/hr = $29,232/year (purchasing power: $31,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,720/year (purchasing power: $52,716).
CoL index: 92.419 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Appleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Appleton grew 14.3% from $19.87/hr (2019) to $22.71/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.16/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 Appleton 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 Appleton
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Appleton reveals distinct financial realities based on working hours. A dental assistant working 24 hours per week could expect to take home about $30,668 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time positions that yield a more considerable income. Per-diem dental assistants, often linked to agencies or temporary staffing, can charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates between $28 and $45. Hourly rates differ based on the type of employer; general dental practices may offer lower pay compared to specialty offices such as pediatric or periodontal practices. While some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits from larger, established ones, others prioritize immediate earnings. For those involved in hourly negotiations, understanding local pay trends and employer types in Appleton is key to achieving optimal compensation within this evolving dental landscape.
More salary data for Appleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Appleton in 2026?
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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 Appleton. 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