Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Chino, CA: $25.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Chino, CA runs $25.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,509 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Chino's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,102 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the dental assistant hourly pay in Chino, California, stands at $25.72, reflecting a healthy increase compared to the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This competitive rate significantly benefits part-time workers, allowing those who may work three days a week to earn a respectable wage while balancing other commitments. Per-diem dental assistants also find ample opportunities in varied environments such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices, with hourly rates generally ranging from $19.78 for entry-level positions to $32.46 for highly experienced professionals. Given the estimated data derived from annual salary projections, prospective dental assistants in Chino can expect a robust earning potential that aligns with the area’s cost of living and employment demand.
About the Chino 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) | $19.78 | $158.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.50 | $187.96 |
| Median (P50) | $25.72 | $205.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.75 | $245.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.46 | $259.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chino
Based on $25.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.72/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chino, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,504 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,868. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chino.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chino
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,028.92 | $4,459 | $53,504 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $617.35 | $2,675 | $32,102 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.57 | $1,783 | $21,402 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Chino) | $25.72 |
| 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 Chino, CA earn a median of $53,509 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.93% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% above the California state average of $52,927.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.72/hr = $32,102/year (purchasing power: $28,384).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,504/year (purchasing power: $47,307).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Chino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Chino grew 19.9% from $20.79/hr (2019) to $24.94/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.53/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 Chino 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 Chino
Considering the part-time earning potential for a dental assistant in Chino, someone working 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home amount that’s significantly lower than full-time counterparts, which typically earn more through overtime opportunities and benefits. The reality for per-diem and agency dental assistants involves billing rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates that can go up to $45 per hour. Hourly pay can fluctuate depending on the type of employer, with general dental practices often offering lower rates than specialized offices or educational institutions. The choice between higher hourly pay without benefits or steady, lower pay with health insurance is a common consideration. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Chino include emphasizing specialized training from recognized bodies like DANB and ADAA, which can justify requests for higher wages. This landscape reflects the ongoing shifts in dental assistant hiring as DSO chains standardize pay across locations, making understanding these dynamics crucial for professionals in the field.
More salary data for Chino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Chino in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Chino?
Are dental assistants in Chino paid hourly or salary?
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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 Chino. 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 Chino 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