Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $25.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Hawthorne, CA runs $25.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,289 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hawthorne, California, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $25.14, which is a notable 5.47% higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive pay reflects the skill level and training expected from dental assistants working in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic offices. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, this translates into a respectable income while also allowing for flexibility in their schedules. Hourly rates in Hawthorne range from $18.42 at entry-level positions to $31.53 for experienced professionals or those in specialized roles. These figures are estimated based on annual salary data, giving a fair overview of what dental assistants can expect to earn on an hourly basis.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $18.42 | $147.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.76 | $190.11 |
| Median (P50) | $25.14 | $201.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.88 | $239.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.53 | $252.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $25.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.14/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,162. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,005.41 | $4,357 | $52,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $603.25 | $2,614 | $31,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.16 | $1,743 | $20,913 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Hawthorne) | $25.14 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $52,289 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.47% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.20% below the California state average of $52,924.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.14/hr = $31,369/year (purchasing power: $27,735).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,281/year (purchasing power: $46,226).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Hawthorne grew 19.9% from $20.32/hr (2019) to $24.37/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.92/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
When examining the earnings potential for part-time dental assistants in Hawthorne, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) translates to an annual income of around $31,457. This can vary significantly for per-diem dental assistants who typically charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with those in specialized fields such as oral surgery or orthodontics earning between $28 and $45 per hour. Employment type plays a crucial role; general dental practices may offer different pay rates compared to pediatric or specialty offices. It's not uncommon to see a trade-off between hourly pay and benefits; some dental assistants opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other perks, while others prefer higher pay without benefits. For those looking to negotiate their pay, it's wise to be informed about the prevailing rates in Hawthorne and be prepared to justify your wage requests based on your skills and certifications, especially if you hold credentials from recognized bodies like DANB or if you have specialized training in expanded functions.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Hawthorne in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Hawthorne?
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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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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