Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Florence, AL: $18.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Florence, AL runs $18.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,337 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.8, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,002 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Florence, AL, the current median hourly pay for dental assistants is $18.43, a figure that falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This discrepancy indicates local economic factors that affect wages, including the cost of living index, which sits at 84.817, suggesting a lower-than-average expense for residents. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, the pay translates to approximately $442 weekly. Entry-level positions may offer pay starting from $15.45 per hour, while more experienced professionals can earn up to $23.32 per hour. Official data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that dental assistants in a range of settings—such as general dentistry, pediatric offices, and surgical suites—experience these varying rates, highlighting the diverse nature of the job across different environments.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.45 | $123.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.43 | $139.45 |
| Median (P50) | $18.43 | $147.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.62 | $180.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.32 | $186.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence
Based on $18.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.43/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,337 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,117. With a cost-of-living index of 84.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Florence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $737.24 | $3,195 | $38,337 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $442.35 | $1,917 | $23,002 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.90 | $1,278 | $15,335 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Florence) | $18.43 |
| 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 Florence, AL earn a median of $38,337 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.67% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.80% below the Alabama state average of $39,442.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.43/hr = $23,002/year (purchasing power: $27,120).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,337/year (purchasing power: $45,199).
CoL index: 84.817 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Florence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Florence grew 15.0% from $15.54/hr (2019) to $17.87/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.01/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 Florence 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 Florence
Part-time dental assistants in Florence can expect annual earnings that differ from their full-time counterparts, effectively leveraging their flexible schedules for work-life balance while bringing in about $23,064 yearly at 36 hours per week. Many in the profession consider per diem work as a lucrative option; per diem dental assistant pay in Florence often ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with some specialties, like oral surgery, reaching as high as $45 per hour. Different employer types, including dental support organizations and specialty practices, offer varied hourly rates driven by demand and operational structure. While some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits and job stability, others prioritize higher pay without the safety net of insurance. Practical negotiation skills for hourly workers are crucial; emphasizing experience, certifications like those from DANB, and demand for expanded functions can help secure better pay in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Florence, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Florence in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Florence?
Are dental assistants in Florence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Florence?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?
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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
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 Florence. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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