2013 Wisconsin dental assisting salary survey
(National averages or percentages are in the parentheses to allow for comparison)
- Most common hourly rates: $12, $18, $21 ($18)
- % who earn $30 or more an hour: 3% (6%)
- % who last received a raise more than a year ago: 31% (56%)
- % who believe raises occur at fair intervals: 47% (41%)
- % who would recommend dental assisting as a profession: 67% (73%)
- % who envision continued employment as a dental assistant three years from now: 65% (71%)
Selected comments from Wisconsin:
- I think that during the last few years everyone took a hit on salary. Either with pay cuts, hour cuts, or just no raise. I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel now.
- You should ask how long you have been at this current position to be making $18 an hour. It has been 33 years.
- Not a bad job or pay for the amount of education as long as you don't work in a big clinic; they pay less.
- The hourly wage looks good until you realize what you don't have health insurance, sick pay, or any flexibility.
- Wisconsin assistants are paid low because there are no educational requirements needed. Doctors can hire off the street and train their own.
- I think Wisconsin should have regulation for their assistants. I feel you should have to have a degree and certification or some type credential to practice.
- I think that Wisconsin as a whole is a little behind on assisting pay rates.
- I am surprised at the dentists who teach people off the street how to do what they want them to do — a false sense of thinking they know it all.
- I wish our state would give dental assistant more expanded duties and that we should have to be certified in the state of Wisconsin.
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