Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Citrus Heights, CA: $25.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Citrus Heights, CA runs $25.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,691 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Citrus Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,613 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Citrus Heights, California, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $25.33, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This hourly pay reflects the competitive nature of the dental field in this region and accommodates both full-time and part-time employment scenarios. For those working three days a week, maintaining a consistent presence in diverse environments—ranging from general dentistry operatories to pediatric dental offices—this hourly rate translates into a respectable income. Entry-level dental assistants might see starting wages around $18.87 per hour, while seasoned professionals could earn up to $32.16 per hour. Given the variety of practice settings in Citrus Heights, opportunities abound for both per-diem dental assistants and those seeking regular hours, ensuring a range of earning potentials based on skill and experience.
About the Citrus Heights 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) | $18.87 | $151.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.66 | $181.28 |
| Median (P50) | $25.33 | $202.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.34 | $242.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.16 | $257.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Citrus Heights
Based on $25.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.33/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Citrus Heights, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,689 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,397. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Citrus Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Citrus Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,013.25 | $4,391 | $52,689 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $607.95 | $2,634 | $31,613 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.30 | $1,756 | $21,076 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Citrus Heights) | $25.33 |
| 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 Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $52,691 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.28% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.40% below the California state average of $52,903.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.33/hr = $31,613/year (purchasing power: $27,952).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,689/year (purchasing power: $46,586).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Citrus Heights grew 19.9% from $20.48/hr (2019) to $24.56/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.13/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 Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights
Looking at the financial implications of part-time work, a dental assistant clocking 24 hours a week can take home approximately $31,585 annually, a significant difference from full-time earnings in the profession. Additionally, per diem dental assistant pay in Citrus Heights typically varies, with rates ranging from $22 to $35 per hour for general practices, potentially reaching $28 to $45 per hour in specialty settings such as oral surgery or orthodontics. This fluctuation allows dental assistants to choose between higher hourly pay without benefits or stable employment with health coverage, creating a trade-off that many must navigate. Different employer types also influence pay rates; corporate entities like Heartland or Pacific Dental may offer standardized compensation, while smaller practices might provide more individualized pay structures. Ultimately, negotiation is essential; knowing the local average and being informed about various roles can equip dental assistants with the confidence to advocate for their worth effectively in Citrus Heights.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, 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 Citrus Heights. 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 Citrus Heights 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