Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Waukesha, WI: $23.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Waukesha, WI runs $23.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,233 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Waukesha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,541 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, dental assistants can expect an hourly median pay of $23.67 in 2026, which sits slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This wage reflects the competitive nature of this profession within local dental environments, such as general dentistry operatories and specialty practices. For those considering part-time or per-diem work, the hourly rate translates into meaningful earnings even with a limited schedule; for instance, working three days a week can yield a respectable income. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $17.89 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $29.52 per hour, indicating a broad spectrum of pay based on experience and workplace dynamics. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of what dental assistants can anticipate in terms of hourly compensation.
About the Waukesha 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) | $17.89 | $143.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.37 | $170.96 |
| Median (P50) | $23.67 | $189.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.02 | $224.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.52 | $236.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukesha
Based on $23.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.67/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukesha, WI can expect to earn approximately $49,235 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,405. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukesha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukesha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $946.83 | $4,103 | $49,235 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $568.10 | $2,462 | $29,541 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.73 | $1,641 | $19,694 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Waukesha) | $23.67 |
| 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 Waukesha, WI earn a median of $49,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.70% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.00% above the Wisconsin state average of $48,745.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.67/hr = $29,541/year (purchasing power: $31,628).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,235/year (purchasing power: $52,714).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Waukesha grew 19.9% from $19.14/hr (2019) to $22.95/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.41/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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha
Considering a part-time role, a three-day workweek for a dental assistant could result in annual earnings significantly lower than full-time colleagues, likely around $29,000, depending on their exact hours and experience level. For those in the per-diem category, pay rates can be more lucrative, with typical hourly compensation ranging from $22 to $35. Furthermore, specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command pay as high as $28 to $45 per hour. In Waukesha, hourly rates may vary widely based on the type of employer—from general practices to pediatric or periodontal specialty offices, which often adjust rates according to patient volume and practice size. Some dental assistants might choose slightly lower hourly pay at certain practices, trading off for benefits such as health insurance, which is more common in larger DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen. For those negotiating their contracts, understanding the local market and being prepared to showcase specific skills, such as expanded function authority through DANB certification, can help in securing a more favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Waukesha in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Waukesha?
Are dental assistants in Waukesha paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Waukesha?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Waukesha?
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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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha 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