Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Bullhead City, AZ: $22.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Bullhead City, AZ runs $22.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Bullhead City's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,640 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bullhead City, Arizona, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.95 in 2026. This rate falls slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. For part-time workers—such as those seeking to balance their schedules with only three days of work per week—the hourly rate translates to a steady income, especially in various settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric dental offices, and oral surgery suites. Entry-level dental assistants in Bullhead City may earn around $18.67 per hour, while more experienced or specialized practitioners, particularly in orthodontics or periodontal practices, can reach rates as high as $29.59 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the earning potential across the local job market.
About the Bullhead City Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.67 | $149.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.68 | $173.44 |
| Median (P50) | $22.95 | $183.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.88 | $223.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.59 | $236.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bullhead City
Based on $22.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.95/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bullhead City, AZ can expect to earn approximately $47,733 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,538. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bullhead City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bullhead City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $917.95 | $3,978 | $47,733 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $550.77 | $2,387 | $28,640 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $367.18 | $1,591 | $19,093 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Bullhead City) | $22.95 |
| 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 Bullhead City, AZ earn a median of $47,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.74% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.60% below the Arizona state average of $48,998.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.95/hr = $28,640/year (purchasing power: $29,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,733/year (purchasing power: $48,460).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Bullhead City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Bullhead City grew 19.9% from $18.55/hr (2019) to $22.25/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.67/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 Bullhead 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 Bullhead City
Analyzing the potential incomes reveals that a part-time dental assistant working three days a week and totaling approximately 24 hours would generate around $27,533 annually at the median rate. This marks a significant difference compared to full-time employees, who can expect to make much more given their routine hours. Per diem dental assistants in Bullhead City often work for agencies or fill-in roles, typically billing anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, while specialists—particularly in oral surgery or orthodontics—can see rates soar to $45 per hour for per diem work. Employment types also influence pay; those in solo, group, or larger DSO practices may vary in compensation due to standardized pay scales. Some dental assistants opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly rates without additional perks. For those negotiating their pay, highlighting experience and certifications, such as DANB, can provide leverage for better hourly compensation.
More salary data for Bullhead City, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Bullhead City 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 Bullhead 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 Bullhead 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