Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Sun Prairie, WI: $22.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Sun Prairie, WI runs $22.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,343 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Sun Prairie's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,408 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.76 in 2026, placing it slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This means that dental assistants working in settings such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms may find their earnings well-compensated, even if they are only working part-time or as per-diem staff. For those on a three-day workweek schedule, they could expect to take home over $1,700 monthly, allowing for a solid contribution to their overall income. In terms of entry-level opportunities, hourly rates can range from $17.34 at the 10th percentile to $29.20 at the 90th percentile, indicating the potential for higher earnings as one gains experience and possibly moves into specialty practices like oral surgery or orthodontics.
About the Sun Prairie 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) | $17.34 | $138.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.95 | $175.59 |
| Median (P50) | $22.76 | $182.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.63 | $221.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.20 | $233.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sun Prairie
Based on $22.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.76/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sun Prairie, WI can expect to earn approximately $47,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,316. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sun Prairie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sun Prairie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $910.52 | $3,946 | $47,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $546.31 | $2,367 | $28,408 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $364.21 | $1,578 | $18,939 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Sun Prairie) | $22.76 |
| 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 Sun Prairie, WI earn a median of $47,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.51% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,707.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.76/hr = $28,408/year (purchasing power: $30,416).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,347/year (purchasing power: $50,693).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Sun Prairie grew 19.9% from $18.40/hr (2019) to $22.07/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.48/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 Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Considering part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working 24 hours weekly may see substantial earnings on a per-diem basis, where the rate can vary widely. Per-diem dental assistants may earn between $22 and $35 per hour in general practices, while those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics often command rates from $28 to $45 per hour. Different employer types, such as solo practices, dental service organization (DSO) chains like Heartland and Aspen, or specialty clinics, can offer varying compensation based on the services provided and patient volume. Additionally, negotiating benefits versus hourly pay is critical; DAs might accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance coverage. For those in Sun Prairie, clear communication about skills, such as DANB certification and expanded function authority, can enhance negotiation outcomes, making it essential to understand one’s worth in the local market.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Sun Prairie in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Sun Prairie?
Are dental assistants in Sun Prairie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Sun Prairie?
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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 Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie 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