Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Madison, AL: $18.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Madison, AL runs $18.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,455 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Madison's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,079 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Madison, Alabama, can expect a median hourly pay of $18.49, which notably lags behind the national median of $23.84. For those working part-time—typically around three days a week—this translates to a manageable income while allowing flexibility in hours. The hourly rates for dental assistants in Madison range from $14.64 for entry-level positions to as much as $23.88 for top earners in specialized settings such as oral surgery or orthodontics. This data is derived from salary estimates based on 2025 BLS data and reflects the employment landscape within general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and other dental facilities throughout the city.
About the Madison 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) | $14.64 | $117.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.18 | $137.46 |
| Median (P50) | $18.49 | $147.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.38 | $179.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.88 | $191.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madison
Based on $18.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.49/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madison, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,192. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Madison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $739.72 | $3,205 | $38,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $443.83 | $1,923 | $23,079 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.89 | $1,282 | $15,386 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Madison) | $18.49 |
| 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 Madison, AL earn a median of $38,455 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.44% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.50% below the Alabama state average of $39,441.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.49/hr = $23,079/year (purchasing power: $26,256).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,465/year (purchasing power: $43,760).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Madison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Madison grew 19.9% from $14.95/hr (2019) to $17.93/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.07/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 Madison 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 Madison
Part-time dental assistants in Madison, working an average of 24 hours weekly, can anticipate earnings that translate to approximately $38,855 annually if consistently employed. However, per diem positions present a different financial scenario, with pay rates often reaching between $22 and $35 per hour for standard duties, and as high as $28-$45 for specialized assignments in oral surgery or orthodontics. Employment variations across types of facilities affect earnings; dental assistants in group practices or DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen may see different pay structures than those in pediatric or specialty practices. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which might lead to a trade-off in take-home income. Negotiating pay in Madison can be more effective when understanding the standard pay ranges in varying settings. Knowing how to leverage your skills, certifications from DANB, and potential expanded functions can also influence negotiations favorably.
More salary data for Madison, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Madison in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Madison?
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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 Madison. 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 Madison 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