Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Northport, AL: $18.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Northport, AL runs $18.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,514 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Northport's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,105 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northport, Alabama, the projected dental assistant hourly pay stands at $18.51 for 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This disparity emphasizes the local economic conditions and reflects factors such as the cost of living index, which sits at 87.9, indicating affordability compared to the national average. For those working part-time—typically just three days a week—this translates to a manageable income level while allowing flexibility. Entry-level dental assistants may start at $14.25 per hour, gradually moving up to top earners at $22.84 per hour. Such hourly compensation varies significantly among different types of dental practices found in Northport, including general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and specialized oral surgery settings, offering diverse opportunities for qualified dental assistants.
About the Northport 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) | $14.25 | $114.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.84 | $134.74 |
| Median (P50) | $18.51 | $148.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.87 | $174.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.84 | $182.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northport
Based on $18.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.51/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northport, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,508 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,216. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $740.55 | $3,209 | $38,508 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $444.33 | $1,925 | $23,105 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $296.22 | $1,284 | $15,403 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Northport) | $18.51 |
| 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 Northport, AL earn a median of $38,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.32% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $39,461.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.51/hr = $23,105/year (purchasing power: $26,286).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,508/year (purchasing power: $43,809).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Northport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Northport grew 19.9% from $14.97/hr (2019) to $17.95/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.09/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 Northport 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 Northport
Comparatively, part-time dental assistants can expect a different financial picture when evaluating their annual earnings versus full-time counterparts. Working 24 hours weekly, a dental assistant could take home around $23,000 annually, significantly less than full-time wages. Per diem dental assistant pay in Northport can provide lucrative opportunities, with rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour in typical settings, and specialty roles commanding upwards of $28 to $45 per hour. Hourly rates differ across employer types; general practices may provide stable employment with benefits, while specialized offices might offer higher pay but without health insurance. When negotiating hourly wages, dental assistants should research local averages and consider the full benefits package, often accepting lower pay for job security and health insurance. Resources like the ADAA and DANB can guide professionals through this essential phase of their careers, especially as DSO chains continue to influence pay structures throughout the dental community in Northport.
More salary data for Northport, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Northport in 2026?
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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 Northport. 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 Northport 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