Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Menomonie, WI: $22.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Menomonie, WI runs $22.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,235 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Menomonie's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,739 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Menomonie, Wisconsin, the projected dental assistant hourly pay stands at $22.23 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This rate provides a significant earning potential for those working part-time or per-diem positions in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and orthodontic chair rows. With a range of hourly rates from $17.76 for entry-level positions to $26.68 for more experienced dental assistants, opportunities abound for flexible work arrangements. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the consistent hours allow for a stable income while servicing patients in diverse environments like pediatric exam rooms and oral surgery suites. These hourly estimates are derived from comprehensive annual salary data and reflect the localized market influenced by Menomonie's lower cost of living index.
About the Menomonie 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) | $17.76 | $142.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.61 | $164.86 |
| Median (P50) | $22.23 | $177.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.91 | $207.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.68 | $213.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Menomonie
Based on $22.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.23/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Menomonie, WI can expect to earn approximately $46,231 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,672. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Menomonie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Menomonie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $889.07 | $3,853 | $46,231 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $533.44 | $2,312 | $27,739 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.63 | $1,541 | $18,493 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Menomonie) | $22.23 |
| 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 Menomonie, WI earn a median of $46,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.74% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,719.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.23/hr = $27,739/year (purchasing power: $29,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,231/year (purchasing power: $49,498).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Menomonie grew 19.9% from $17.97/hr (2019) to $21.55/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.92/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 Menomonie 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 Menomonie
Looking at the financial aspects of this career can reveal the broader context of earnings. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week can expect to earn about $27,700 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart, which may deter some from considering part-time roles. Per diem dental assistant pay in Menomonie often varies between $22 to $35 hourly, while those in specialized areas such as oral surgery and orthodontics can command rates between $28 and $45. Employer types also play a critical role in determining earnings, with general dental practices typically offering lower rates compared to specialty offices. Many dental assistants in Menomonie may choose to accept lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. For those focused on maximizing their hourly earnings, practical negotiation strategies are essential, as is understanding how to leverage certifications from recognized bodies like DANB and ADAA when discussing potential pay increases.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Menomonie in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Menomonie?
Are dental assistants in Menomonie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Menomonie?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Menomonie?
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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 Menomonie. 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 Menomonie 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