Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Lodi, CA: $24.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Lodi, CA runs $24.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,933 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Lodi's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,966 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lodi, California, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $24.01, which slightly surpasses the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly pay provides an attractive opportunity for part-time workers, such as those seeking to work three days a week in various dental environments, including general practices and specialty offices. With estimated hourly wages ranging between $19.04 at the entry-level and up to $30.99 for seasoned professionals, the financial incentives can help part-time and per-diem dental assistants maintain a comfortable lifestyle while effectively balancing work and personal commitments. This hourly rate serves as a snapshot of the profession within the local context, influenced by factors such as employer type and market demand in Lodi's dental care sector.
About the Lodi 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) | $19.04 | $152.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.35 | $178.80 |
| Median (P50) | $24.01 | $192.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.12 | $232.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.99 | $247.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lodi
Based on $24.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.01/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lodi, CA can expect to earn approximately $49,943 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,813. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lodi.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lodi
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $960.44 | $4,162 | $49,943 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.26 | $2,497 | $29,966 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.18 | $1,665 | $19,977 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Lodi) | $24.01 |
| 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 Lodi, CA earn a median of $49,933 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.71% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.60% below the California state average of $52,895.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.01/hr = $29,966/year (purchasing power: $26,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,943/year (purchasing power: $44,158).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Lodi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Lodi grew 19.9% from $19.41/hr (2019) to $23.28/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.76/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 Lodi 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 Lodi
For a dental assistant working part-time, earning $24.01 per hour translates to approximately $27,000 annually when working 24 hours a week. This income can differ significantly from full-time staff, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of part-time schedules. In Lodi, per diem dental assistant pay typically falls in the range of $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially yielding $28 to $45 per hour. Various employment settings, such as pediatric practices or dental school clinics, can also impact pay rates. While some assistants might choose positions with lower hourly wages for the added benefit of health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without benefits. When negotiating, dental assistants should emphasize their certifications, such as DANB accreditation, and consider the advantages of agencies that facilitate short-term assignments, which can provide flexible working hours and the opportunity to enhance their skills across multiple specialties in dentistry.
More salary data for Lodi, 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 Lodi. 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 Lodi 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