Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Enterprise, AL: $18.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Enterprise, AL runs $18.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Enterprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,899 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Enterprise, Alabama, earn a median hourly rate of $18.35, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This discrepancy means that part-time workers, especially those looking at a schedule of three days a week, may see a reduction in their overall earnings compared to similar roles elsewhere in the country. Such part-time roles are common in settings including general dentistry operatories and pediatric practices, where assistants can expect to earn between $15.35 and $22.25 depending on their experience and the specifics of their position. For entry-level dental assistants, the initial pay may lean toward the lower end of the scale, while those with more experience and specialized skills can command higher hourly rates.
About the Enterprise Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($36,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.35 | $122.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.59 | $140.68 |
| Median (P50) | $18.35 | $146.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.48 | $171.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.25 | $177.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Enterprise
Based on $18.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.35/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Enterprise, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,165 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,018. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Enterprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Enterprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $733.94 | $3,180 | $38,165 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.37 | $1,908 | $22,899 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.58 | $1,272 | $15,266 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Enterprise) | $18.35 |
| Dental Hygienist (National Avg) | $42.45 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
Dental Assistants in Enterprise, AL earn a median of $38,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.04% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $39,457.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.35/hr = $22,899/year (purchasing power: $26,051).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,165/year (purchasing power: $43,419).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.83/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Enterprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Enterprise grew 19.9% from $14.83/hr (2019) to $17.79/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dental assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Enterprise 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.
Working as an Hourly Dental Assistant in Enterprise
For those choosing a part-time schedule, such as a 24-hour workweek, annual earnings will reflect the reduced hours compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistants in Enterprise, who often work through agencies, can see rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, and even higher for specialized procedures like oral surgery and orthodontics, where rates can climb to between $28 and $45 per hour. Employment settings greatly influence compensation; employees of dental service organizations (DSOs) might face standardized pay that can sometimes undervalue their contributions compared to independent practices. Many dental assistants opt for lower hourly rates when they come with benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay over job security. Effective negotiation tips tailored to the Enterprise market can help dental assistants advocate for better compensation, emphasizing their skills, certifications from DANB, and the advantages of being part of a growing profession.
More salary data for Enterprise, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Enterprise in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Enterprise?
Are dental assistants in Enterprise paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Enterprise?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Enterprise?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Alabama
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dental assistants in Enterprise. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Enterprise 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