Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Maricopa, AZ: $23.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Maricopa, AZ runs $23.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,670 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Maricopa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,798 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maricopa, Arizona, dental assistants can expect an hourly median pay of $23.88, which is slightly higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive pay structure makes the role attractive not just for full-time workers but also for those looking for part-time or per-diem opportunities. For instance, a part-time dental assistant working three days a week can enjoy a steady income while maintaining flexibility in scheduling. Hourly pay for dental assistants in Maricopa ranges widely, from $18.46 for entry-level positions to approximately $30.25 for highly experienced professionals. This diverse pay range reflects the varying responsibilities and settings in which dental assistants operate, including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery. Hourly rates in these environments are projected based on annual salary data, highlighting the potential financial growth in this profession.
About the Maricopa 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) | $18.46 | $147.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.89 | $175.09 |
| Median (P50) | $23.88 | $191.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.61 | $228.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.25 | $242.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maricopa
Based on $23.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.88/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maricopa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $49,664 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,652. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maricopa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maricopa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $955.08 | $4,139 | $49,664 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $573.05 | $2,483 | $29,798 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $382.03 | $1,655 | $19,866 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Maricopa) | $23.88 |
| 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 Maricopa, AZ earn a median of $49,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.18% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% above the Arizona state average of $48,984.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.88/hr = $29,798/year (purchasing power: $30,252).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,664/year (purchasing power: $50,420).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Maricopa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Maricopa grew 19.9% from $19.30/hr (2019) to $23.15/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.63/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 Maricopa 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 Maricopa
When contemplating part-time work, a dental assistant in Maricopa could see varying annual incomes based on their hours. For example, if a dental assistant works 24 hours a week, they could take home nearly $29,000 per year, which can be a solid income for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Maricopa typically falls between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. These positions not only offer more lucrative pay but also flexibility, allowing assistants to work through temp agencies such as Cloud Dentistry or GoTu for single-day shifts. Additionally, compensation can vary by employer type, with general practices, pediatric offices, and specialized clinics offering different hourly rates and benefits. Some dental assistants choose slightly lower hourly rates at larger chains like Heartland or Pacific Dental in exchange for comprehensive health benefits, creating a balance between immediate pay and long-term security. Effective negotiation strategies involve knowing the market rates in Maricopa, highlighting skills or certifications such as DANB or expanded function credentials that can justify higher pay.
More salary data for Maricopa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Maricopa in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Maricopa?
Are dental assistants in Maricopa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Maricopa?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Maricopa?
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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 Maricopa. 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 Maricopa 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