Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $21.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Wisconsin Rapids, WI runs $21.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,673 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Wisconsin Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,799 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, earn a median hourly rate of $21.47, which falls below the national average of $23.84. This figure is particularly significant for those working part-time or in per-diem roles, as even working three days a week may yield a substantial but variable income. The range for hourly pay spans from $17.75 at the entry level (P10) to as much as $25.69 for top earners (P90), providing opportunities for both new and experienced dental assistants within various environments, including general dentistry, pediatric practices, and dental schools. Although these figures are primarily derived from projected annual salary estimates, they reflect the earning potential of dental assistants operating across the diverse settings encountered in this field.
About the Wisconsin Rapids 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) | $17.75 | $142.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.85 | $158.84 |
| Median (P50) | $21.47 | $171.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.97 | $199.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.69 | $205.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wisconsin Rapids
Based on $21.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.47/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI can expect to earn approximately $44,665 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,768. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wisconsin Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wisconsin Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $858.95 | $3,722 | $44,665 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $515.37 | $2,233 | $26,799 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.58 | $1,489 | $17,866 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Wisconsin Rapids) | $21.47 |
| 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $44,673 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.90% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,716.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.47/hr = $26,799/year (purchasing power: $28,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,665/year (purchasing power: $47,822).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Wisconsin Rapids grew 19.9% from $17.36/hr (2019) to $20.82/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.15/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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
The earning potential for those working part-time as dental assistants can vary greatly when considering different employment structures. For example, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to earn a significant annual income, though it would still be less than full-time counterparts. Per-diem positions are another avenue to explore; they typically pay between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates from $28 to $45. Hourly wages also fluctuate based on the type of practice, with general dental practices and larger DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen holding different standards compared to specialized offices. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, creating a balance between overall earnings and job security. For those considering their negotiation strategies, it is beneficial to research local rates and new opportunities, especially with the shifting dynamics in the industry due to DSO consolidation and varied state regulations around expanded function authority.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Wisconsin Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Wisconsin Rapids?
Are dental assistants in Wisconsin Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Wisconsin Rapids?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wisconsin Rapids?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin Rapids. 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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