Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Camarillo, CA: $24.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Camarillo, CA runs $24.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,250 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Camarillo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The dental assistant hourly pay in Camarillo, California is projected to reach $24.64 in 2026, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This higher local wage can be particularly beneficial for part-time workers who might typically work three days a week in various settings, including general dentistry operatories and orthodontic practices. For dental assistants, hourly rates range significantly: entry-level positions start around $19.25, while experienced individuals in specialized fields can earn up to $31.49 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, provide a clear picture of the financial opportunities available for DAs seeking to establish their careers in Camarillo, CA.
About the Camarillo 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) | $19.25 | $153.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.16 | $177.32 |
| Median (P50) | $24.64 | $197.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.63 | $237.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.49 | $251.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Camarillo
Based on $24.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.64/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Camarillo, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,568. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Camarillo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Camarillo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $985.61 | $4,271 | $51,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.36 | $2,563 | $30,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.24 | $1,708 | $20,501 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Camarillo) | $24.64 |
| 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 Camarillo, CA earn a median of $51,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.37% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 3.20% below the California state average of $52,944.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.64/hr = $30,751/year (purchasing power: $27,189).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,252/year (purchasing power: $45,315).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Camarillo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Camarillo grew 19.9% from $19.92/hr (2019) to $23.89/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.41/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 Camarillo 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 Camarillo
Focusing on part-time work, a dental assistant committing to a 24-hour week could potentially earn around $38,668 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings. For those pursuing per diem positions, the scenario varies significantly. Per diem dental assistant pay in Camarillo often ranges between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates that can climb to $28-$45 per hour. Hourly wages can also fluctuate based on the type of employer, from solo practices to large DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen Dental. Some professionals choose lower hourly rates in return for benefits like health insurance, while others may prioritize higher wages without such coverage. Negotiating these rates can be crucial for dental assistants, particularly in a competitive market fostered by recent consolidation trends in the industry.
More salary data for Camarillo, CA:
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 Camarillo. 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 Camarillo 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