Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Onalaska, WI: $23.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Onalaska, WI runs $23.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,313 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Onalaska's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,592 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Onalaska, Wisconsin, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $23.71 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This hourly rate presents attractive options for part-time and per-diem dental assistants who work in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and specialty practices such as orthodontics and oral surgery. For instance, part-time workers at three days a week can benefit from consistent earnings while enjoying flexible schedules, and those seeking per-diem opportunities may find themselves earning between $22 and $35 per hour depending on their assignments. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in the area spans from $19.00 for entry-level positions to $27.83 for experienced professionals, showcasing the diverse opportunities available depending on expertise and workplace.
About the Onalaska 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) | $19.00 | $151.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.03 | $184.25 |
| Median (P50) | $23.71 | $189.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.24 | $217.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.83 | $222.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Onalaska
Based on $23.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.71/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Onalaska, WI can expect to earn approximately $49,321 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,454. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Onalaska.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Onalaska
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $948.48 | $4,110 | $49,321 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.09 | $2,466 | $29,592 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.39 | $1,644 | $19,728 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Onalaska) | $23.71 |
| 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 Onalaska, WI earn a median of $49,313 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% above the Wisconsin state average of $48,729.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.71/hr = $29,592/year (purchasing power: $31,684).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,321/year (purchasing power: $52,806).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Onalaska grew 19.9% from $19.17/hr (2019) to $22.99/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.46/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 Onalaska 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 Onalaska
Considering the particular dynamics in Onalaska, dental assistants working part-time, say 24 hours a week, would effectively take home $29,131 annually, notably less than their full-time counterparts who might exceed $49,313 yearly. Meanwhile, per diem dental assistant pay in Onalaska can vary widely; those working in oral surgery or orthodontics may demand rates ranging from $28 to $45 per hour. The differences in hourly rates across employer types are significant, with general dental practices often offering lower pay compared to specialized clinics, which may attract talent with higher wages. Some dental assistants may choose to accept positions with lower hourly rates to secure comprehensive health benefits, highlighting a critical consideration in this profession. Negotiating hourly pay can be vital—insights from local DSO practices or leveraging skills in expanded function could allow dental assistants in Onalaska to advocate for improved compensation while balancing personal needs and career ambitions.
More salary data for Onalaska, 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 Onalaska. 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 Onalaska 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