Dental Assistant Salary in Sheboygan, WI: $49,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Sheboygan, WI earns a median $49,260/year (≈ $23.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Sheboygan's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.0), that paycheck buys what $52,396 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for dental assistants in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is set at $49,260, slightly below the national median of $49,579. This local pay scale reflects the competitive dynamics of the dental industry, particularly the distinctive roles within corporate dental service organizations (DSOs) versus traditional solo practices. With salaries ranging from $47,609 at the 10th percentile to $68,206 at the 90th percentile, dental assistants in Sheboygan can expect varied compensation, influenced by factors like specialty practice settings and employer type. The prevailing pay structure signals a market that is adapting to the growing presence of DSO chains such as Heartland and Pacific Dental, which often offer standardized pay scales and benefit packages, contrasting with the more flexible compensation models found in independent practices.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,609 | $22.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,569 | $23.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,260 | $23.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,852 | $28.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,206 | $32.79 |
Median Salary Position
0.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sheboygan
In Sheboygan, WI, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $20,597 (2026 est.). At $49,260, the local median is 0.64% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sheboygan: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Sheboygan Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Sheboygan median: $49,260/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sheboygan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $48,724 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $49,579 | -0.64% less |
Dental Assistants in Sheboygan, WI earn a median of $49,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% above the Wisconsin state average of $48,724.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sheboygan has a cost of living 5.99% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sheboygan, WI has a cost-of-living index of 94.014 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $49,260 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,396 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.37% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,660
2025 BLS Actual
$47,760
2026 Current Est.
$49,260
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sheboygan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sheboygan metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 26.8% from $37,660 (2019) to $47,760 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,146 (34.91%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sheboygan 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) | $47,609 – $48,569 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,569 – $49,260 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,260 – $58,852 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,852 – $68,206 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Sheboygan
Despite the competitive salaries, the cost of living in Sheboygan, which stands at a CoL index of 94.014, provides an attractive backdrop for dental assistants. With approximately 160 dental assistants employed locally, individuals can enjoy a relatively affordable lifestyle while pursuing their careers in dentistry. Among the highest paying employers, specialized offices, such as those in oral surgery and orthodontics, typically outpace general practices, highlighting the value of advanced training and credentials like the EFDA, which could elevate earnings significantly, particularly in states that support expanded functions. To maximize earning potential within this vibrant market, dental assistants should consider acquiring additional certifications, such as those from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), and seek roles in DSO chains where structured advancement and training programs may lead to higher salaries. Embracing dual roles, like treatment coordinators, can also enhance pay opportunities, making it essential for dental assistants to stay informed about the evolving landscape in Sheboygan, WI.
More salary data for Sheboygan, 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 $47,760 for dental assistantsin the Sheboygan 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, 7-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