Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Clovis, CA: $26.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Clovis, CA runs $26.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,175 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Clovis's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,501 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clovis, California, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $26.04 in 2026, which is considerably higher than the national midpoint of $23.84. This competitive hourly rate provides valuable opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers across various dental settings, such as general dentistry operatories and pediatric exam rooms. Those working three days a week (typically around 24 hours) or in per-diem roles can expect significant earnings that align closely with the costs of living in the area, which is above the national average. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in Clovis spans from $19.35 at entry-level positions to $33.11 for top earners, marking an engaging pathway for professionals at any stage of their careers, including those just entering the field or those looking to transition to specialized areas.
About the Clovis 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) | $19.35 | $154.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.31 | $186.48 |
| Median (P50) | $26.04 | $208.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.22 | $249.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.11 | $264.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clovis
Based on $26.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.04/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clovis, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,169 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,251. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clovis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clovis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,041.71 | $4,514 | $54,169 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $625.03 | $2,708 | $32,501 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $416.69 | $1,806 | $21,668 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Clovis) | $26.04 |
| 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 Clovis, CA earn a median of $54,175 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.27% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.40% above the California state average of $52,906.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.04/hr = $32,501/year (purchasing power: $28,737).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,169/year (purchasing power: $47,895).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Clovis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Clovis grew 19.9% from $21.05/hr (2019) to $25.25/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.86/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 Clovis 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 Clovis
Considering the dynamics of part-time work, a dental assistant clocking in for 24 hours per week could anticipate earnings that significantly augment their annual income, albeit still lower than full-time counterparts. Per diem dental assistants in Clovis typically charge between $22-$35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery and orthodontics commanding rates as high as $28-$45. The complexity of dental practices also affects hourly rates; general dental offices may pay less than specialized pediatric or orthodontic centers. Benefits play a crucial role in compensation negotiations, as some dental assistants may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other perks. For those seeking higher pay without benefits, temp agencies like Cloud Dentistry and GoTu facilitate connections for single-day assignments. As Clovis experiences continued growth in dental service organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Pacific Dental, understanding the subtleties in the dental assistant hourly rate in CA becomes essential for effective career negotiation and advancement.
More salary data for Clovis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Clovis in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Clovis?
Are dental assistants in Clovis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Clovis?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Clovis?
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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 Clovis. 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 Clovis 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