Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Wauwatosa, WI: $22.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Wauwatosa, WI runs $22.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Wauwatosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,713 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $22.21, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate provides a solid income for those working in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontic surgical suites. For those looking for part-time opportunities, such as a 3-day workweek, the potential earnings become more significant. The hourly wages range from $17.85 for entry-level positions to $28.22 for top earners in the area, allowing for both full-time and per-diem workers to capitalize on varying levels of experience and responsibilities. It’s important to remember that hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary projections, and this structure gives job seekers a clearer understanding of what to expect in Wauwatosa's job market for dental assistants.
About the Wauwatosa 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) | $17.85 | $142.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.75 | $166.01 |
| Median (P50) | $22.21 | $177.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.80 | $214.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.22 | $225.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wauwatosa
Based on $22.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.21/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wauwatosa, WI can expect to earn approximately $46,189 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,647. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wauwatosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wauwatosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $888.24 | $3,849 | $46,189 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $532.95 | $2,309 | $27,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.30 | $1,540 | $18,475 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Wauwatosa) | $22.21 |
| 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 Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $46,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.84% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,724.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.21/hr = $27,713/year (purchasing power: $29,671).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,189/year (purchasing power: $49,452).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Wauwatosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Wauwatosa grew 19.9% from $17.95/hr (2019) to $21.53/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.90/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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa
For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, their annual take-home pay can be quite different from full-time employees, offering flexibility but often less financial security. Typically, part-time assistants might take home around $26,000 to $30,000 annually based on their scheduled hours, whereas full-time positions are more stable and beneficial for those seeking long-term growth in the field. Per diem dental assistant pay in Wauwatosa ranges significantly, with common rates of $22 to $35 per hour, particularly during busy seasons or in specialized fields like oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can soar to between $28 and $45 per hour. The disparity in wages across different employer types—general practices, pediatric offices, or dental schools—affects earning potential. Some dental assistants may accept lower hourly rates for associated benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize wage over benefits for potentially higher compensation. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the local market, especially with the influence of corporate dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen, can make a difference in securing favorable terms.
More salary data for Wauwatosa, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Wauwatosa in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Wauwatosa?
Are dental assistants in Wauwatosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Wauwatosa?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wauwatosa?
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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 Wauwatosa. 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 Wauwatosa 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