Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Chandler, AZ: $24.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Chandler, AZ runs $24.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Chandler's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chandler, AZ, the dental assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $24.85, slightly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive rate benefits both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities within various dental settings, including general dentistry operatives and specialty practices. For a part-time dental assistant working three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a significant income that supports a moderate lifestyle. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in Chandler varies widely, from $17.68 for entry-level positions to $33.12 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the diverse roles within the profession and the demand for skilled assistants across different settings.
About the Chandler 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) | $17.68 | $141.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.73 | $173.85 |
| Median (P50) | $24.85 | $198.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.57 | $244.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.12 | $264.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chandler
Based on $24.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.85/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chandler, AZ can expect to earn approximately $51,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,816. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chandler.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chandler
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $993.86 | $4,307 | $51,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $596.31 | $2,584 | $31,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.54 | $1,723 | $20,672 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Chandler) | $24.85 |
| 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 Chandler, AZ earn a median of $51,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.50% above the Arizona state average of $48,987.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.85/hr = $31,008/year (purchasing power: $31,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,681/year (purchasing power: $52,468).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Chandler (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Chandler grew 19.9% from $20.09/hr (2019) to $24.09/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.63/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 Chandler 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 Chandler
Looking at the earning potential through part-time work, a dental assistant in Chandler working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $30,966 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart earning substantially more. Per diem dental assistant pay in Chandler varies based on the setting and specialty, with rates typically ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, and potentially higher for specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics where pay can exceed $45 per hour. The hourly rates can also fluctuate depending on the type of employer; general practices, pediatric offices, or dental school clinics may offer different pay scales based on their operational structures. With many practicing assistants weighing the options of higher pay against benefits such as health insurance, effective negotiation can significantly impact overall compensation. Those seeking to maximize their potential in Chandler should be prepared to advocate for their worth, given the regional variances in dental assistant hourly rate AZ offers.
More salary data for Chandler, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Chandler in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Chandler?
Are dental assistants in Chandler paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Chandler?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chandler?
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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 Chandler. 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 Chandler 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