Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Huntington Beach, CA: $25.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Huntington Beach, CA runs $25.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,106 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Huntington Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,858 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Dental assistants in Huntington Beach, California, earn a median hourly rate of $25.53, which surpasses the national hourly median of $23.84 by 7.11%. This rate is significant for those seeking part-time or per-diem work within various dental settings, including general dentistry operatories, orthodontic, and oral surgery practices. For example, a dental assistant working three days a week could potentially earn around $1,540 for a 24-hour week, while per-diem workers might see variable rates depending on their specialty. Entry-level assistants can expect to start at about $20.14 per hour, while top earners in this field can attain rates as high as $34.96 hourly. These figures result from data derived from state-level BLS estimates projected to 2026.
About the Huntington Beach 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) | $20.14 | $161.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.76 | $190.11 |
| Median (P50) | $25.53 | $204.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.53 | $244.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.96 | $279.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington Beach
Based on $25.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.53/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,096 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,633. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Huntington Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,021.09 | $4,425 | $53,096 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $612.65 | $2,655 | $31,858 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.43 | $1,770 | $21,239 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Huntington Beach) | $25.53 |
| 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 Huntington Beach, CA earn a median of $53,106 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.11% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.30% above the California state average of $52,947.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.53/hr = $31,858/year (purchasing power: $28,168).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,096/year (purchasing power: $46,946).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Huntington Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Huntington Beach grew 19.9% from $20.64/hr (2019) to $24.75/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.33/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 Huntington Beach 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 Huntington Beach
Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week might find themselves with an annual income of approximately $40,769, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. In terms of per-diem opportunities, rates can vary widely; general per diem dental assistants typically earn between $22-$35 hourly, while those in specialized fields like oral surgery may command rates from $28-$45 per hour. Additionally, hourly rates fluctuate based on the type of dental practice. General practices, pediatric offices, and specialty clinics have distinct pay scales, influenced by each employer’s financial standing and patient demand. It's crucial for dental assistants to consider the trade-off between hourly pay and benefits, as many may accept lower wages in exchange for health insurance and stability. To enhance their bargaining power, dental assistants can emphasize their certifications, such as DANB, and experience, aligning with employers focused on maintaining quality and consistency in their teams.
More salary data for Huntington Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Huntington Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Huntington Beach?
Are dental assistants in Huntington Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Huntington Beach?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington Beach?
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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 Huntington Beach. 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 Huntington Beach 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