Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Platteville, WI: $21.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Platteville, WI runs $21.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Platteville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,314 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Platteville, Wisconsin, earn a median hourly rate of $21.89 in 2026, which sits below the national median of $23.84. This gap highlights the challenges local professionals face in navigating comparable compensation. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to manageable income while retaining flexibility. Per-diem dental assistants working in settings like general dentistry operatories or specialized practices can expect to see hourly pay ranging from $18.78 for entry-level positions to a maximum of $26.90 for top earners. These figures serve as estimates derived from annual salary data, indicating that dental assistant hourly pay in Platteville presents a viable option for those entering or advancing in this essential field of healthcare.
About the Platteville 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) | $18.78 | $150.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.74 | $165.93 |
| Median (P50) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.96 | $207.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.90 | $215.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Platteville
Based on $21.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.89/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Platteville, WI can expect to earn approximately $45,524 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,264. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Platteville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Platteville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $875.45 | $3,794 | $45,524 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $525.27 | $2,276 | $27,314 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $350.18 | $1,517 | $18,209 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Platteville) | $21.89 |
| 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 Platteville, WI earn a median of $45,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.17% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.60% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,747.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.89/hr = $27,314/year (purchasing power: $29,244).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,524/year (purchasing power: $48,740).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Platteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Platteville grew 19.9% from $17.69/hr (2019) to $21.22/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.57/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 Platteville 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 Platteville
Part-time dental assistants working a 24-hour week might take home approximately $27,451 annually, substantially lower than their full-time counterparts, illustrating the trade-offs associated with flexibility. Per diem positions provide a different route; many skilled professionals can charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics fetching higher rates of up to $45. Agency connections in Platteville, such as Cloud Dentistry, facilitate access to one-off gigs, creating potential for varied income. Additionally, compensation varies significantly based on employer type—general dental practices may offer different rates compared to specialty offices. Consequently, some dental assistants might choose lower rates for the added benefit of health insurance. In such a competitive sector, practical negotiation tips include emphasizing specialized training, such as DANB certification or expanded function credentials, which can enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Platteville, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Platteville in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Platteville?
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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 Platteville. 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 Platteville 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