Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Brentwood, CA: $25.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Brentwood, CA runs $25.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,788 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Brentwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,678 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brentwood, California, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $25.38 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $23.84. This competitive rate reflects the local demand for skilled dental assistants and indicates a favorable job market. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can be quite lucrative, enabling them to balance work-life commitments while enjoying a meaningful income. Per-diem workers in this sector can also find opportunities in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and specialty offices, with hourly rates ranging from $18.99 for entry-level positions to $33.92 for those with more experience. This diverse earning potential highlights a financially rewarding path for dental assistants in Brentwood, especially when considering the region's cost of living.
About the Brentwood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.99 | $151.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.75 | $182.02 |
| Median (P50) | $25.38 | $203.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.45 | $243.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.92 | $271.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brentwood
Based on $25.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.38/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brentwood, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,796 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,459. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brentwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brentwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,015.31 | $4,400 | $52,796 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $609.19 | $2,640 | $31,678 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.12 | $1,760 | $21,118 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Brentwood) | $25.38 |
| 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 Brentwood, CA earn a median of $52,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.47% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% below the California state average of $52,947.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.38/hr = $31,678/year (purchasing power: $28,009).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,796/year (purchasing power: $46,681).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Brentwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Brentwood grew 19.9% from $20.52/hr (2019) to $24.61/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.18/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 Brentwood 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 Brentwood
For part-time dental assistants working in Brentwood who choose to work 24 hours a week, their annual income can vary significantly compared to full-time peers. While full-time dental assistants may make substantially more annually based on a full-time schedule, part-timers may find they take home a comfortable income without the pressures of a full-time role. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Brentwood can typically range from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics reaching higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. Local market variations are influenced by the type of employer, ranging from general practices, DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen, to specialty offices in pediatric and periodontal dentistry. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, those without such packages might negotiate for better pay. Familiarity with local averages and a clear understanding of the specific demands of various positions can empower dental assistants in Brentwood to advocate effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Brentwood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Brentwood in 2026?
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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 Brentwood. 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 Brentwood 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