Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Prescott, AZ: $23.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Prescott, AZ runs $23.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,751 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Prescott's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,245 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Prescott, AZ, the median hourly pay for dental assistants is projected at $23.43 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This competitive hourly rate allows part-time workers, who might be scheduled three days a week in settings such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms, to earn a substantial income while balancing other commitments. For per-diem dental assistants, the pay range can vary significantly based on expertise and demand, with entry-level positions starting from $19.41 an hour and top earners reaching $29.81 per hour. This variability reflects the diverse environments in which dental assistants work, from dental school student clinics to specialized oral surgery procedure rooms.
About the Prescott 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) | $19.41 | $155.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.40 | $179.22 |
| Median (P50) | $23.43 | $187.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.22 | $225.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.81 | $238.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Prescott
Based on $23.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.43/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Prescott, AZ can expect to earn approximately $48,741 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,120. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Prescott.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Prescott
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $937.34 | $4,062 | $48,741 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $562.40 | $2,437 | $29,245 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.93 | $1,625 | $19,497 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Prescott) | $23.43 |
| 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 Prescott, AZ earn a median of $48,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.67% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.50% below the Arizona state average of $48,996.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.43/hr = $29,245/year (purchasing power: $29,690).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,741/year (purchasing power: $49,484).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Prescott (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Prescott grew 29.8% from $17.50/hr (2019) to $22.72/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.17/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 Prescott 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 Prescott
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working 24 hours weekly can expect to earn roughly $29,529 annually, significantly lower than what full-time assistants typically make. Per-diem roles often attract those seeking flexibility or temporary employment, with on-call rates falling between $22 and $35 per hour, and specialized areas like orthodontics or oral surgery offering $28 to $45 per hour. Employers across Prescott, including general practices and specialty offices, may offer varied compensation packages influenced by their structured approaches to pay and benefits. While some dental assistants may opt for positions that offer higher hourly rates, they might sacrifice health insurance and other benefits. In negotiations, understanding the local market landscape and leveraging certifications from organizations like DANB or ADAA can empower dental assistants to secure favorable compensation aligned with their skills and situational requirements.
More salary data for Prescott, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Prescott in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Prescott?
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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 Prescott. 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 Prescott 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