Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in West Allis, WI: $23.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in West Allis, WI runs $23.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,763 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against West Allis's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,258 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for dental assistants in West Allis, Wisconsin is projected to be $23.44. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84, reflecting the local market dynamics. For dental assistants working part-time—typically around three days a week—this equates to a takeaway of approximately $1,119 per week before taxes, depending on actual hours worked and the specific office setting. The hourly pay range varies significantly, starting at $17.67 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) and reaching as high as $30.00 for top earners (90th percentile) in various clinical environments, including general dentistry offices, pediatric facilities, and oral surgery centers. These rates are derived from projected annual earnings and highlight the potential for both part-time and full-time roles within this critical occupation.
About the West Allis 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) | $17.67 | $141.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.11 | $168.90 |
| Median (P50) | $23.44 | $187.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.22 | $225.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.00 | $240.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Allis
Based on $23.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.44/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Allis, WI can expect to earn approximately $48,763 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,132. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Allis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Allis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.75 | $4,064 | $48,763 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.65 | $2,438 | $29,258 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.10 | $1,625 | $19,505 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (West Allis) | $23.44 |
| 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 West Allis, WI earn a median of $48,763 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.65% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $48,714.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.44/hr = $29,258/year (purchasing power: $31,325).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,763/year (purchasing power: $52,209).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in West Allis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in West Allis grew 19.9% from $18.95/hr (2019) to $22.73/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.18/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 West Allis 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 West Allis
Hourly earning potential in West Allis varies, especially for those working as per diem dental assistants. These professionals typically bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with those specializing in areas like oral surgery and orthodontics commanding rates ranging from $28 to $45 per hour. Such opportunities allow for flexible scheduling and the chance to earn a higher income than those in traditional roles. Hourly rates can also fluctuate depending on employer type, with dental service organizations (like Heartland and Aspen) potentially offering standardized pay scales that may differ from privately-owned practices. While some dental assistants might accept a lower hourly wage for the benefits provided, such as health insurance, others prefer the allure of higher rates without benefits. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the local market and identifying unique qualifications—like DANB certification—can empower them in their discussions for fair compensation.
More salary data for West Allis, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in West Allis in 2026?
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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 West Allis. 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 West Allis 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