Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fitchburg, WI: $23.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fitchburg, WI runs $23.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,440 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fitchburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,065 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For dental assistants in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, the projected hourly pay in 2026 stands at $23.29, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate offers a viable income for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, and can facilitate comfortable living for those balancing other commitments. Additionally, per-diem roles in settings ranging from general dentistry to specialized practices such as orthodontics or oral surgery may provide flexible earning opportunities. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $18.63 per hour, while top earners may see hourly compensation reach up to $29.49, reflecting the wide breadth of skills and expertise within the profession.
About the Fitchburg 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) | $18.63 | $149.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.70 | $173.61 |
| Median (P50) | $23.29 | $186.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.03 | $224.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.49 | $235.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fitchburg
Based on $23.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.29/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fitchburg, WI can expect to earn approximately $48,441 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,947. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fitchburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fitchburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $931.56 | $4,037 | $48,441 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.94 | $2,422 | $29,065 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.62 | $1,615 | $19,376 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fitchburg) | $23.29 |
| 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 Fitchburg, WI earn a median of $48,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.60% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,732.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.29/hr = $29,065/year (purchasing power: $31,119).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,441/year (purchasing power: $51,864).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fitchburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fitchburg grew 19.9% from $18.83/hr (2019) to $22.58/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.02/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 Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
Analyzing the potential earnings, part-time dental assistants working 24 hours weekly can take home approximately $29,150 annually, which differs significantly from full-time earnings. Many per-diem dental assistants in Fitchburg can charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially reaching $28 to $45 per hour. Hourly rates may vary by practice type; for instance, dental service organizations like Heartland, Aspen, and Pacific Dental may offer standardized pay scales that differ from independently owned practices. Although some dental assistants might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may seek higher rates without such perks. To navigate these negotiations effectively, it's crucial to understand market rates and the specific offerings of different employers in Fitchburg, ensuring a fair compensation aligned with one's skills and experience.
More salary data for Fitchburg, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Fitchburg in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Fitchburg?
Are dental assistants in Fitchburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Fitchburg?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fitchburg?
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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 Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg 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