Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $26.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Fullerton, CA runs $26.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,363 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,617 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average dental assistant hourly pay in Fullerton, California is projected to be $26.14, which exceeds the national median of $23.84. This higher pay reflects the local demand for dental assistants across various clinical settings, such as general dentistry offices, pediatric practices, and oral surgery suites. For those considering part-time roles—like working three days a week—this hourly rate translates into significant earnings, particularly if they also take on per-diem jobs. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $19.45 per hour, while more experienced professionals can reach an hourly pay of $34.45. With the current trends in rising wages, Fullerton presents a competitive environment for dental assistants looking to establish or further their careers in this vital healthcare field.
About the Fullerton 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) | $19.45 | $155.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.51 | $188.04 |
| Median (P50) | $26.14 | $209.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.97 | $255.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.45 | $275.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $26.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.14/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,362 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,363. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,045.43 | $4,530 | $54,362 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $627.26 | $2,718 | $32,617 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.17 | $1,812 | $21,745 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Fullerton) | $26.14 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $54,363 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.65% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.70% above the California state average of $52,934.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.14/hr = $32,617/year (purchasing power: $28,839).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,362/year (purchasing power: $48,066).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Fullerton grew 19.9% from $21.13/hr (2019) to $25.34/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.96/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
Exploring the financial landscape for dental assistants in Fullerton reveals intriguing possibilities, especially for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a dental assistant working a 24-hour week at the median hourly pay would take home approximately $32,960 annually, showcasing the capacity for earning a reasonable income without committing to a full-time schedule. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Fullerton generally falls between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics offering even higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. This variance in pay allows dental assistants to strategically assess job opportunities across different types of employers, from solo practices to larger DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen. It’s also common for dental assistants to weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against comprehensive health benefits offered by some practices. Negotiating pay effectively in Fullerton requires awareness of current market trends and understanding one’s value, especially with expanded function authority and certification through organizations like DANB being regarded as beneficial in securing competitive rates.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Fullerton in 2026?
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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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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