Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Eau Claire, WI: $23.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Eau Claire, WI runs $23.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,321 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Eau Claire's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,000 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eau Claire, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $23.24 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate offers promising earning potential for both part-time and per-diem dental assistants working in varied environments like general dentistry, pediatric practices, and orthodontic offices. Part-time professionals, typically working three days a week, can expect to earn a stable income while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. Entry-level dental assistants may start at around $19.39 per hour, while more experienced individuals can earn as much as $28.38. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the evolving market for dental assistants in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.39 | $155.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.35 | $178.80 |
| Median (P50) | $23.24 | $185.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.51 | $212.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.38 | $227.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eau Claire
Based on $23.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.24/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eau Claire, WI can expect to earn approximately $48,334 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,885. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eau Claire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eau Claire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $929.50 | $4,028 | $48,334 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $557.70 | $2,417 | $29,000 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $371.80 | $1,611 | $19,334 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Eau Claire) | $23.24 |
| 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 Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $48,321 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,711.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.24/hr = $29,000/year (purchasing power: $31,252).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,334/year (purchasing power: $52,086).
CoL index: 92.796 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Eau Claire grew 27.2% from $17.71/hr (2019) to $22.53/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.97/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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
For those considering a part-time position, the financial landscape is favorable but varies significantly based on work arrangements and specialty practice settings. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week could bring home a considerable amount, significantly lower than full-time wages but still adequate to complement other income sources. Per diem dental assistant pay in Eau Claire can range from $22 to $35 hourly, particularly in specialized fields like oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can reach $28 to $45 per hour. Various employers, including small practices and large dental service organizations (DSOs), influence hourly pay scales. While many dental assistants opt for lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance, negotiating to secure a higher wage in areas with demand for temporary staffing can be instrumental in maximizing earnings potential. Understanding employer types and their pay structures is key to navigating this professional environment in Eau Claire.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
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 Eau Claire. 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