Dental Assistant Salary in Mequon, WI: $45,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Mequon, WI earns a median $45,534/year (≈ $21.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Mequon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $48,752 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual dental assistant salary in Mequon, Wisconsin, stands at $45,534. This figure is slightly below the national median of $49,579, showcasing a regional adjustment due to various factors, including the effective enforcement of the EFDA expanded function rules in Wisconsin. As a result, salaries for dental assistants can range from $38,883 at the lower end (P10) to $53,356 at the upper end (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variances, indicate that the local market is quite competitive, especially considering the limited number of dental assistants employed, which is just five in the area. This context offers insights into the job opportunities in Mequon, where specialized skills may lead to higher pay.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,883 | $18.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,180 | $21.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,534 | $21.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52,262 | $25.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,356 | $25.65 |
Median Salary Position
8.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mequon
In Mequon, WI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $14,473 (2026 est.). At $45,534, the local median is 8.16% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mequon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mequon Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Mequon median: $45,534/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mequon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $48,700 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -8.16% less |
Dental Assistants in Mequon, WI earn a median of $45,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.16% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 6.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,700.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mequon 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.
Mequon, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $45,534 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,752 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$36,810
2025 BLS Actual
$44,148
2026 Current Est.
$45,534
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Mequon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,820 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,506 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,148 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,964 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mequon metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $36,810 (2019) to $44,148 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,964 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,154 (27.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mequon 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) | $38,883 – $44,180 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,180 – $45,534 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,534 – $52,262 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $52,262 – $53,356 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Mequon
The job market for dental assistants in Mequon is influenced by the area's low cost of living, with a cost-of-living index of 93.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains viable. Given the limited number of dental assistants, demand may drive opportunities for individuals with specialized training, such as EFDA credentials, which can substantially increase earnings. Practices with a focus on oral surgery and orthodontics generally pay the highest, followed by pediatric and general practices. Those seeking to maximize dental assistant pay in Mequon should consider pursuing specialized roles or credentials, such as transitioning into a treatment coordinator or seeking employment with larger DSO chains, which often offer structured pay scales. Furthermore, demonstrating leadership as a lead or mentor dental assistant can also yield additional stipends, enhancing overall compensation.
More salary data for Mequon, 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 $44,148 for dental assistantsin the Mequon 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 Mequon 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