Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in River Falls, WI: $22.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in River Falls, WI runs $22.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,912 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against River Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,546 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, Wisconsin, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.07 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate translates to a solid earning potential for both full-time and part-time workers, especially those who may only be employed three days a week. For example, part-time dental assistants can effectively manage their finances while working in diverse settings such as general dentistry operatories or specialty practices, since the hourly compensation allows flexibility in balancing work and life. Entry-level employees can expect to earn around $17.38 per hour, while top earners in the field may reach as high as $27.53 per hour. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the broader economic landscape in River Falls.
About the River Falls 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) | $17.38 | $139.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.14 | $169.15 |
| Median (P50) | $22.07 | $176.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.36 | $210.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.53 | $220.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in River Falls
Based on $22.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.07/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in River Falls, WI can expect to earn approximately $45,910 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,486. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in River Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in River Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $882.88 | $3,826 | $45,910 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $529.73 | $2,295 | $27,546 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $353.15 | $1,530 | $18,364 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (River Falls) | $22.07 |
| 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 River Falls, WI earn a median of $45,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.40% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,739.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.07/hr = $27,546/year (purchasing power: $29,492).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,910/year (purchasing power: $49,154).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in River Falls grew 19.9% from $17.84/hr (2019) to $21.40/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.77/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 River Falls 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 River Falls
For part-time dental assistants working approximately 24 hours a week, the income on an annual basis can vary significantly compared to full-time salaries. Those who engage in per diem work can expect earnings ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, depending on their specific role and experience; in higher-demand areas such as oral surgery or orthodontics, rates can elevate to $28-$45 per hour. Different employer types in River Falls—like general dental practices, pediatric offices, or dental schools—offer distinct pay structures, often affecting hourly wages. Some dental assistants might choose lower hourly rates with the benefit of health insurance, while others prefer higher wages without benefits. To navigate compensation discussions effectively, dental assistants should be prepared to articulate their value, gain insights from industry standards, and understand how the growth of DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen Dental influences pay scales within the region.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in River Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in River Falls?
Are dental assistants in River Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in River Falls?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in River Falls?
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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 River Falls. 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 River Falls 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