Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Caledonia, WI: $22.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Caledonia, WI runs $22.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,214 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Caledonia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,331 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Caledonia, Wisconsin, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $22.70, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. For part-time and per-diem workers, this hourly pay translates to varying earning potentials depending on their schedules and work environments. A dental assistant working three days a week might take home a steady income, while those in roles like pediatric offices or oral surgery units may find flexibility in per-diem options that command different rates. The hourly wage for entry-level dental assistants starts around $17.18, with top earners in specialties reaching up to $29.05. This range reflects the competitive nature of dental assistant hourly pay in Caledonia, influenced by factors like the type of practice and experience level, while these rate estimates are derived from projected annual salary data.
About the Caledonia Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.18 | $137.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.81 | $174.51 |
| Median (P50) | $22.70 | $181.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.45 | $219.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.05 | $232.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Caledonia
Based on $22.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.70/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Caledonia, WI can expect to earn approximately $47,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,241. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Caledonia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Caledonia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $908.04 | $3,935 | $47,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.83 | $2,361 | $28,331 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.22 | $1,574 | $18,887 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Caledonia) | $22.70 |
| 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 Caledonia, WI earn a median of $47,214 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.77% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,725.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.70/hr = $28,331/year (purchasing power: $30,333).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,218/year (purchasing power: $50,555).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Caledonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Caledonia grew 19.9% from $18.35/hr (2019) to $22.01/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.41/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 Caledonia 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 Caledonia
Looking at the financial landscape for part-time dental assistants, those working a typical 24-hour schedule each week could expect to earn about $29,364 annually. This contrasts with full-time positions, which often yield higher yearly earnings but may require a commitment to job-related benefits that vary by employer. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Caledonia typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized settings like oral surgery and orthodontics offering rates between $28 and $45. General practices, DSOs, and specialty clinics might present a mixed bag in hourly wages, depending on demand and the specific services offered. The trade-off between securing higher hourly wages without benefits against moderate pay with health insurance is crucial for many dental assistants. Negotiating pay requires understanding local market rates and leveraging any expanded function credentials, as those with EFDA training can expect to earn significantly more, potentially 25-40% above standard rates.
More salary data for Caledonia, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Caledonia in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Caledonia?
Are dental assistants in Caledonia 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 Caledonia. 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 Caledonia 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