Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lake Forest, CA: $24.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lake Forest, CA runs $24.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,958 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,176 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Lake Forest, CA, will earn a median hourly pay of $24.98, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national hourly median of $23.84. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions—common in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices—this hourly rate can provide a solid income stream while allowing for flexible scheduling. The projected hourly range for dental assistants in Lake Forest spans from $19.95 at the entry-level to $32.60 for the top 10% of earners, highlighting diverse opportunities within the profession. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, allowing potential dental assistants to gauge their earnings based on hourly calculations.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $19.95 | $159.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.88 | $183.01 |
| Median (P50) | $24.98 | $199.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.45 | $243.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.60 | $260.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Forest
Based on $24.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.98/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Forest, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,959 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,977. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $999.22 | $4,330 | $51,959 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $599.53 | $2,598 | $31,176 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $399.69 | $1,732 | $20,784 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lake Forest) | $24.98 |
| 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 Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $51,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.80% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.80% below the California state average of $52,910.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.98/hr = $31,176/year (purchasing power: $27,565).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,959/year (purchasing power: $45,941).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lake Forest grew 19.9% from $20.19/hr (2019) to $24.22/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.76/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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest
Exploring the financial dynamics for dental assistants reveals significant earning potential, especially for part-timers. A dental assistant working three days a week (24 hours) may expect to take home about $31,196 a year, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. The per diem landscape in Lake Forest shows variability; per diem dental assistants typically bill between $22-$35 per hour, with rates for specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics reaching $28-$45 per hour. Employment in different settings also influences hourly pay. For instance, general dental practices often offer different rates than specialized offices, such as pediatric or periodontal clinics. While many dental assistants may choose positions that offer health insurance even if the hourly pay is lower, others may opt for higher pay without benefits, a decision often influenced by individual financial needs. When negotiating their hourly pay, dental assistants can benefit from understanding industry standards and leveraging their qualifications, including credentials from recognized organizations such as DANB or ADAA.
More salary data for Lake Forest, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Lake Forest in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Lake Forest?
Are dental assistants in Lake Forest paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Lake Forest?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Forest?
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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 Lake Forest. 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 Lake Forest 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