Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $26.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fontana, CA runs $26.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,034 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,016 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, the projected dental assistant hourly pay in 2026 stands at $26.46, notably higher than the national median of $23.84. This wage reflects the competitive job market in the region and can significantly impact part-time workers and per-diem dental assistants. For those working three days a week, the pay facilitates a comfortable lifestyle, especially in settings like general dentistry, pediatric practices, and specialty clinics. With an hourly range from $18.92 at entry-level positions to $35.40 for experienced professionals, dental assistants in Fontana can find varied opportunities that meet their financial needs while benefiting from the diverse work environments available in the area.
About the Fontana 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) | $18.92 | $151.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.22 | $185.73 |
| Median (P50) | $26.46 | $211.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.61 | $260.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.40 | $283.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $26.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.46/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $55,027 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,746. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,058.22 | $4,586 | $55,027 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $634.93 | $2,751 | $33,016 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $423.29 | $1,834 | $22,011 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fontana) | $26.46 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $55,034 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.00% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 4.00% above the California state average of $52,918.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.46/hr = $33,016/year (purchasing power: $29,192).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,027/year (purchasing power: $48,654).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fontana grew 19.9% from $21.39/hr (2019) to $25.65/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.29/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that a dental assistant working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $33,063 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts. Per-diem or agency dental assistants can expect pay ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, while those filling in at oral surgery or orthodontic practices may earn between $28 and $45 per hour. The employment landscape in Fontana is diverse, including general practices, pediatric and orthodontic specialty offices, as well as dental schools. Many dental assistants face the trade-off of accepting lower hourly pay at some employers in exchange for health insurance benefits, while others may lean towards higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating hourly pay can be crucial; it's beneficial for dental assistants to emphasize their skills—especially if they hold expanded function credentials—to enhance their leverage in discussions for compensation that aligns with or exceeds the regional standards.
More salary data for Fontana, 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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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