Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $23.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Tempe, AZ runs $23.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,209 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, Arizona, dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $23.66 in 2026, just slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This rate offers a competitive advantage for those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week in various dental settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and periodontal surgical suites. For dental assistants, the estimated hourly range spans from $18.72 at the 10th percentile to $30.09 for the top 90th percentile, highlighting potential earnings based on experience and specialization. The current job market, while influenced by broader national trends, reflects local dynamics that affect hourly rates, including cost of living and demand for dental services in Tempe.
About the Tempe 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) | $18.72 | $149.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.04 | $176.33 |
| Median (P50) | $23.66 | $189.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.29 | $226.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.09 | $240.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $23.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.66/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $49,213 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,392. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $946.41 | $4,101 | $49,213 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $567.85 | $2,461 | $29,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $378.57 | $1,640 | $19,685 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Tempe) | $23.66 |
| 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 Tempe, AZ earn a median of $49,209 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.75% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $49,013.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.66/hr = $29,528/year (purchasing power: $29,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,213/year (purchasing power: $49,963).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Tempe grew 19.9% from $19.13/hr (2019) to $22.94/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.40/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 Tempe 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 Tempe
Considering part-time work schedules, a dental assistant committed to working 24 hours a week could anticipate a take-home income of around $29,475 annually, significantly less than what a full-time colleague would earn. For those drawn to per diem roles, the pay can vary widely, as per diem dental assistants in Tempe often see hourly rates between $22 and $35, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially earning $28 to $45 per hour. Furthermore, differences in hourly rates can vary between employer types—more established practices like those under DSO chains, such as Heartland and Aspen, might offer different scales than smaller, independent offices. While some dental assistants may prefer higher hourly rates without benefits, others might accept slightly lower pay for comprehensive health plans. For those looking to negotiate, understanding the competitive landscape and emphasizing specialized training or certifications can effectively enhance hourly compensation.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Tempe in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Tempe?
Are dental assistants in Tempe paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Tempe?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Tempe?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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 Tempe. 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 Tempe 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