Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $19.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Opelika, AL runs $19.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,590 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,749 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $19.03, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $23.84. This rate reflects the pay structure within various typical dental settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices, presenting a viable opportunity for both part-time and per-diem workers. For individuals working on a part-time schedule of three days a week, earnings can vary significantly based on experience, with entry-level positions starting around $15.86 per hour and experienced dental assistants earning up to $24.20 per hour. Such hourly rates, derived from annual salary data, show that while there’s a diverse range, the pay in Opelika tends to be on the lower spectrum compared to the national figures, indicating regional economic factors at play.
About the Opelika 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) | $15.86 | $126.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.21 | $145.72 |
| Median (P50) | $19.03 | $152.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.96 | $183.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.20 | $193.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $19.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.03/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $39,581 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,835. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $761.17 | $3,298 | $39,581 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $456.70 | $1,979 | $23,749 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $304.47 | $1,319 | $15,832 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Opelika) | $19.03 |
| 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 Opelika, AL earn a median of $39,590 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.15% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.40% above the Alabama state average of $39,433.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.03/hr = $23,749/year (purchasing power: $27,018).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,581/year (purchasing power: $45,030).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Opelika grew 19.9% from $15.38/hr (2019) to $18.45/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.63/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 Opelika 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 Opelika
Part-time dental assistants in Opelika, working 24 hours a week, can expect to bring home approximately $24,000 annually, contrasting with full-time positions which could yield around $39,590. Many dental assistants seek per diem arrangements as well, which often pay anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, especially in more specialized settings such as oral surgery or orthodontics, where rates can escalate to between $28 and $45 per hour. The variety in pay among different employer types—ranging from general dental practices to pediatric specialists—also influences earnings. Seasonal or temporary assignments through agencies like Cloud Dentistry and GoTu can connect dental assistants with shifts that fill immediate gaps, typically promising higher hourly compensation at the cost of stability. The decision to pursue positions that offer lower hourly wages but include comprehensive benefits versus roles that might pay more without additional perks can complicate the pay structure in this field. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Opelika, understanding the competitive landscape, knowing local pay benchmarks, and being aware of the benefits offered by potential employers can provide leverage in salary discussions.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Opelika. 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 Opelika 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