Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Surprise, AZ: $23.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Surprise, AZ runs $23.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,896 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Surprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,335 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, Arizona, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $23.51 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $23.84 for the same year. This rate provides a substantial income for part-time employees working an average of three days per week, enabling them to take home around $908 if consistently employed throughout the year. Per-diem workers, who fill roles in various settings such as general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms, often enjoy flexible hours and can expect to earn within a range from $18.36 at the entry-level up to $31.12 for top earners in the field. Those working in specialized environments, such as oral surgery procedure rooms or dental school student clinics, can further maximize their earnings potential compared to those at general practices.
About the Surprise 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) | $18.36 | $146.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.72 | $173.77 |
| Median (P50) | $23.51 | $188.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.83 | $230.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.12 | $248.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Surprise
Based on $23.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.51/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Surprise, AZ can expect to earn approximately $48,892 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,207. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Surprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Surprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $940.22 | $4,074 | $48,892 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.13 | $2,445 | $29,335 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.09 | $1,630 | $19,557 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Surprise) | $23.51 |
| 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 Surprise, AZ earn a median of $48,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.38% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $48,994.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.51/hr = $29,335/year (purchasing power: $29,782).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,892/year (purchasing power: $49,636).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Surprise grew 19.9% from $19.00/hr (2019) to $22.79/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.24/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 Surprise 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 Surprise
Breaking down the circumstances for part-time and per-diem dental assistants in Surprise reveals both opportunities and challenges. A three-day workweek for a dental assistant could yield an annual income significantly less than a full-time position, making career choices critical. Per-diem dental assistants often have the flexibility to bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty roles commanding higher rates—up to $45 for orthodontic and oral surgery practices. Different types of employers, ranging from solo practitioners to corporate-owned health systems like Heartland and Aspen, can affect the pay significantly. While some dental assistants might opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, others may prefer steadier paychecks from employers offering health insurance. Networking and demonstrating proficiency in expanded functions can bolster hourly rates, as states with expanded function authority substantially increase earnings. Negotiation skills can also be vital; understanding the market rate for services rendered in Surprise will equip dental assistants to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Surprise. 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 Surprise 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