Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Sierra Vista, AZ: $22.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Sierra Vista, AZ runs $22.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Sierra Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.2, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,228 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sierra Vista, Arizona, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $22.62, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This hourly rate offers substantial opportunities, especially for those working part-time or in per-diem positions. For instance, a dental assistant working three days a week might earn around $1,486 monthly, making it a viable option for those balancing other commitments. Entry-level professionals in this field can start at approximately $18.22 an hour, while top earners may reach about $28.06, reflecting the varying responsibilities and specializations within settings such as general dentistry operatories and pediatric exam rooms. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the real-time earning expectations for dental assistants in the region.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.22 | $145.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.93 | $159.41 |
| Median (P50) | $22.62 | $180.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.17 | $193.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.06 | $224.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sierra Vista
Based on $22.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.62/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sierra Vista, AZ can expect to earn approximately $47,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,142. With a cost-of-living index of 89.24 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sierra Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sierra Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $904.74 | $3,921 | $47,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $542.85 | $2,352 | $28,228 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.90 | $1,568 | $18,819 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Sierra Vista) | $22.62 |
| 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 Sierra Vista, AZ earn a median of $47,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.10% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 4.00% below the Arizona state average of $49,013.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.62/hr = $28,228/year (purchasing power: $31,631).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,047/year (purchasing power: $52,718).
CoL index: 89.243 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Sierra Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Sierra Vista grew 27.5% from $17.20/hr (2019) to $21.93/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.33/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 Sierra Vista 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 Sierra Vista
Looking deeper into the compensation specifics, working as a part-time dental assistant in Sierra Vista presents unique financial scenarios when compared to full-time roles. An individual committing to a 24-hour workweek could take home nearly $17,832 annually, noticeably less than a full-time counterpart due to fewer work hours. Per-diem dental assistants, often billing between $22 and $35 per hour for routine shifts and up to $28 to $45 for specialized roles, leverage the flexibility of temporary work. This flexibility appeals to many, particularly when agencies connect fully qualified DAs with short-term opportunities. It’s essential to understand the differences in pay across various employer types, including general practices, orthodontic offices, and specialty clinics. Some assistants may opt for a lower hourly wage from employers who provide benefits versus aiming for higher pay without such perks. Practical negotiation may emphasize skill sets, certifications, and even regional demand to enhance earning potential in Sierra Vista's evolving dental market.
More salary data for Sierra Vista, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Sierra Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Sierra Vista?
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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 Sierra Vista. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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