Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in South Milwaukee, WI: $22.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in South Milwaukee, WI runs $22.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against South Milwaukee's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,777 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Milwaukee, the dental assistant hourly pay reflects a median of $22.26, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers within typical settings such as general dentistry and specialized orthodontic practices. For a dental assistant working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, this hourly wage translates to a monthly income that can support essential living expenses in the area. Entry-level positions may see hourly pay start at $17.83, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $28.10. It's essential to note that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data estimates, painting a comprehensive picture of earning potential in the South Milwaukee dental field.
About the South Milwaukee 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) | $17.83 | $142.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.67 | $165.35 |
| Median (P50) | $22.26 | $178.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.50 | $203.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.10 | $224.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Milwaukee
Based on $22.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.26/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Milwaukee, WI can expect to earn approximately $46,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,709. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Milwaukee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Milwaukee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $890.30 | $3,858 | $46,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.18 | $2,315 | $27,777 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.12 | $1,543 | $18,518 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (South Milwaukee) | $22.26 |
| 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 South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $46,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.64% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,726.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.26/hr = $27,777/year (purchasing power: $29,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,296/year (purchasing power: $49,567).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in South Milwaukee grew 19.9% from $17.99/hr (2019) to $21.58/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.96/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 South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee
Examining the unique financial landscape for dental assistants in South Milwaukee reveals diverse earning opportunities based on work arrangements and employer types. A part-time dental assistant working 24 hours per week could expect a take-home pay significantly less than that of a full-time counterpart, leading to a practical yearly income of about $27,000 versus a full-time annual figure closer to $46,289. Per diem dental assistant pay in South Milwaukee typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with roles in oral surgery or orthodontics fetching somewhere between $28 and $45 per hour. Variability across employer types—whether general practices, pediatric specialties, or dental schools—adds another layer to the hourly rate spectrum. Some dental assistants opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher hourly wages but forego such perks. Negotiation tips include emphasizing specialized skills, certifications, and willingness to work varied shifts, given the competitive nature of DSO chains and their standardized pay scales.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in South Milwaukee in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in South Milwaukee?
Are dental assistants in South Milwaukee paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in South Milwaukee?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Milwaukee?
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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 South Milwaukee. 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 South Milwaukee 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