Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Muskego, WI: $22.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Muskego, WI runs $22.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Muskego's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,267 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muskego, Wisconsin, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.65 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84, suggesting that while opportunities abound in the local dental field, they may not be as lucrative as in other regions. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, typically in environments like general dentistry practices or pediatric settings, this hourly compensation translates into a manageable income, allowing for flexibility in scheduling. Hourly earnings vary widely as well, with entry-level positions starting at around $18.94 (P10) and top earners potentially making $27.51 (P90), reflecting the breadth of skills and experiences within this crucial role in dental healthcare.
About the Muskego 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) | $18.94 | $151.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.71 | $173.69 |
| Median (P50) | $22.65 | $181.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.48 | $211.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.51 | $220.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muskego
Based on $22.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.65/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muskego, WI can expect to earn approximately $47,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,179. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muskego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muskego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $905.98 | $3,926 | $47,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.59 | $2,356 | $28,267 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.39 | $1,570 | $18,844 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Muskego) | $22.65 |
| 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 Muskego, WI earn a median of $47,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.98% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,720.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.65/hr = $28,267/year (purchasing power: $30,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,111/year (purchasing power: $50,440).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Muskego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Muskego grew 19.9% from $18.31/hr (2019) to $21.96/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.36/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 Muskego 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 Muskego
Focusing on the earnings dynamics within Muskego, part-time dental assistants working a three-day week can expect to take home approximately $29,094 annually, significantly lower than full-time counterparts, which may deter some professionals seeking stability. However, many choose the per diem route for increased flexibility; per diem dental assistant pay in Muskego ranges broadly, with averages around $22 to $35 per hour, and specialty roles can command even higher rates, reaching $28 to $45 per hour in orthodontic or oral surgery settings. These hourly wages vary broadly depending on the type of employer—traditional dental practices, specialty offices, or even dental school clinics—each presenting different benefits and compromises in pay for insurance or retirement plans. Negotiating a higher rate may depend on specific certifications or expanded functions, especially in a climate increasingly dominated by DSO chains such as Heartland and Aspen. Understanding local market conditions is key for professionals seeking to maximize their earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Muskego, 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 Muskego. 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 Muskego 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