Dental Assistant Salary in Franklin, WI: $46,840 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Franklin, WI earns a median $46,840/year (≈ $22.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $50,150 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Franklin, Wisconsin, can expect a median annual salary of $46,840, a figure that falls below the national median of $49,579. The local salary range extends from $38,718 at the lower end (P10) to $59,125 at the upper tier (P90). These figures reflect estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, with adjustments made for regional cost differences. In Franklin, the choice of employer can greatly influence compensation. Dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen Dental typically offer more standardized pay scales and benefits compared to individual practices, providing a clearer pathway for income growth. This dynamic adds to the complexity of the job market as dental assistants consider flexibility versus stability.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,718 | $18.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,519 | $20.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,840 | $22.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,268 | $27.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,125 | $28.43 |
Median Salary Position
5.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, WI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,407 (2026 est.). At $46,840, the local median is 5.52% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Franklin Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Franklin median: $46,840/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $48,741 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -5.52% less |
Dental Assistants in Franklin, WI earn a median of $46,840 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.52% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.90% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,741.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Franklin, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $46,840 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,150 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,865
2025 BLS Actual
$45,414
2026 Current Est.
$46,840
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,905 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,524 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,344 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,969 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,303 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,414 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,840 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,311 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $37,865 (2019) to $45,414 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,311 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,446 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,718 – $43,519 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,519 – $46,840 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,840 – $56,268 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,268 – $59,125 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Franklin
With only eight dental assistants employed locally, this niche market presents both opportunities and challenges. The cost of living index in Franklin is 93.4, which indicates that housing and everyday expenses are below the national average, potentially boosting take-home purchasing power for dental assistants. Among local employers, specialty practices such as oral surgery and orthodontics generally offer the highest pay, while general dental practices provide more flexibility and opportunities for role diversification. The variation in salaries often correlates with qualifications like expanded function authority, which can lead to a significant increase in earnings, and hybrid roles that incorporate treatment coordination responsibilities. For those looking to maximize pay in Franklin, attaining EFDA credentials where possible, engaging with established DSOs, and pursuing continuing education through associations like DANB and ADAA can enhance career prospects and income potential.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $45,414 for dental assistantsin the Franklin metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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