Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Phenix City, AL: $18.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Phenix City, AL runs $18.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,810 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Phenix City's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,285 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Phenix City, Alabama, the projected dental assistant hourly pay is $18.66, which falls significantly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This disparity can impact both part-time and per-diem workers in dental settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic offices. With an hourly range from $15.50 at entry-level positions to around $22.63 for experienced practitioners, the pay can vary widely depending on the nature of the dental practice. For those considering part-time roles—typically around three days a week—a dental assistant could expect to earn a suitable wage, though the overall financial outcomes may be lower compared to full-time employment, as benefits are often more attractive in full-time positions.
About the Phenix City 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) | $15.50 | $124.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.86 | $142.91 |
| Median (P50) | $18.66 | $149.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.80 | $174.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.63 | $181.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Phenix City
Based on $18.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.66/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Phenix City, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,809 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,390. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Phenix City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Phenix City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $746.32 | $3,234 | $38,809 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $447.79 | $1,940 | $23,285 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.53 | $1,294 | $15,523 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Phenix City) | $18.66 |
| 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 Phenix City, AL earn a median of $38,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.72% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.60% below the Alabama state average of $39,441.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.66/hr = $23,285/year (purchasing power: $26,491).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,809/year (purchasing power: $44,151).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Phenix City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $14.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Phenix City grew 19.9% from $15.08/hr (2019) to $18.09/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.24/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 Phenix City 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 Phenix City
Part-time dental assistants in Phenix City, working a 24-hour week, might find their annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. While full-time staff can earn in excess of $38,810 annually, part-time assistants may only take home a fraction of that. For those opting for per diem work, rates can range from $22 to $35 per hour, particularly in high-demand specialties such as oral surgery or orthodontics, where per diem dental assistant pay in Phenix City can even reach up to $45. The varying hourly rates across employers—ranging from general dental practices to specialty offices—reflect the broader market trends with DSO chains increasingly standardizing pay. Dental assistants must weigh the trade-offs between hourly wages and potential benefits, negotiating effectively to secure the best rates, particularly in a climate shifting toward temporary employment solutions.
More salary data for Phenix City, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Phenix City in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Phenix City?
Are dental assistants in Phenix City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Phenix City?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Phenix City?
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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 Phenix City. 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 Phenix City 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