Dental Assistant Salary in Kenosha, WI: $48,796 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Kenosha, WI earns a median $48,796/year (≈ $23.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Kenosha's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $48,256 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Kenosha, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $48,796. This figure is slightly below the national median of $49,579, indicating that while local pay is competitive, there's room for growth in the dental assistant salary in Kenosha. The salary range for this position varies widely, from $40,544 at the 10th percentile to $61,740 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlight the potential for higher earnings, particularly for those specializing in areas such as orthodontics or oral surgery. As the demand for skilled dental assistants increases, especially in specialized roles, this could create further opportunities for professionals in Kenosha's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,544 | $19.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,393 | $22.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,796 | $23.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,971 | $24.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,740 | $29.68 |
Median Salary Position
1.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
In Kenosha, WI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,196 (2026 est.). At $48,796, the local median is 1.58% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kenosha: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kenosha Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Kenosha median: $48,796/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kenosha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $48,747 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -1.58% less |
Dental Assistants in Kenosha, WI earn a median of $48,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.58% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $48,747.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kenosha has a cost of living 1.12% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kenosha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 101.118 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,796 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,256 — a 1.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,446
2025 BLS Actual
$47,310
2026 Current Est.
$48,796
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,529 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,049 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,804 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,310 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,796 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,328 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kenosha metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $39,446 (2019) to $47,310 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,328 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,882 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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) | $40,544 – $47,393 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,393 – $48,796 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,796 – $49,971 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,971 – $61,740 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Kenosha
A local dental assistant job market employs approximately 180 individuals, which speaks to the demand for this profession in Kenosha. However, the cost of living index stands at 101.118, just above the national average, potentially affecting take-home pay. Dental practices within the area vary significantly in compensation based on specialization. Oral surgery and orthodontic offices generally offer the highest pay, while general practices may provide lower wages. The disparity in salaries can be influenced by various factors such as specialized training, experience, and positions that encompass additional responsibilities like treatment coordination. For those looking to maximize their dental assistant pay in Kenosha, pursuing expanded function authority where applicable and considering opportunities with dental service organizations (DSOs) might yield the best financial outcomes. Focusing on certifications from recognized bodies such as DANB and exploring the bridge pathways to become a registered dental hygienist can also enhance one's career trajectory in the local market.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dental assistants make $100K in Kenosha?
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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 $47,310 for dental assistantsin the Kenosha 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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