Dental Assistant Salary in Onalaska, WI: $49,313 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Onalaska, WI earns a median $49,313/year (≈ $23.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Onalaska's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $52,798 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Onalaska, Wisconsin, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in 2026 is $49,313, slightly below the national median of $49,579. Dental assistant pay in Onalaska WI ranges from $39,524 at the 10th percentile to $57,874 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying opportunities within general practices versus larger dental service organization (DSO) chains. While DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen offer structured pay scales, solo practices may provide more flexible compensation, appealing to those interested in hands-on roles without the corporate constraints. These figures represent estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, indicating a competitive salary landscape for dental assistants in the area.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,524 | $19.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,904 | $23.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,313 | $23.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,655 | $27.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,874 | $27.83 |
Median Salary Position
0.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Onalaska
In Onalaska, WI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $18,350 (2026 est.). At $49,313, the local median is 0.54% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Onalaska: You'd be above the median
How Onalaska Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Onalaska median: $49,313/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Onalaska Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $48,729 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -0.54% less |
Dental Assistants in Onalaska, WI earn a median of $49,313 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% above the Wisconsin state average of $48,729.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Onalaska 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.
Onalaska, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $49,313 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,798 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,865
2025 BLS Actual
$47,812
2026 Current Est.
$49,313
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Onalaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,453 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,579 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,290 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,812 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,313 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,862 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Onalaska metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $39,865 (2019) to $47,812 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,862 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,997 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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) | $39,524 – $47,904 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,904 – $49,313 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,313 – $56,655 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,655 – $57,874 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Onalaska
The local job market for dental assistants in Onalaska is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in the field. However, with a cost of living index of 93.4, dental assistants can enjoy a higher purchasing power compared to many other regions. Employers vary in compensation, with DSO chains and specialty practices typically providing higher pay than general dental offices. The salary disparity in Onalaska can be attributed to various factors, including the scope of practice and the level of specialization, where credentials like expanded function authority (EFDA) can yield 25-40% more than non-credentialed roles. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing additional certifications or seeking positions in specialty offices can significantly boost earning potential. Understanding these dynamics can be pivotal for individuals navigating their careers in the dental assisting field.
More salary data for Onalaska, 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 $47,812 for dental assistantsin the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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