Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Manteca, CA: $24.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Manteca, CA runs $24.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Manteca's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,047 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manteca, California, dental assistants earn a median hourly pay of $24.88, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This competitive wage can lead to significant earnings for both full-time and part-time dental assistants, especially those working in diverse environments such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, or oral surgery procedure rooms. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the hourly compensation supports a flexible schedule that may appeal to those balancing other commitments. Moreover, the hourly range extends from $19.80 at the entry-level to $32.25 for top earners in the field, making it an attractive option for those entering the profession or looking to advance in specialized settings.
About the Manteca 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) | $19.80 | $158.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.20 | $185.57 |
| Median (P50) | $24.88 | $199.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.19 | $241.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.25 | $258.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manteca
Based on $24.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.88/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manteca, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,853. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manteca.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manteca
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $995.09 | $4,312 | $51,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.06 | $2,587 | $31,047 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.04 | $1,725 | $20,698 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Manteca) | $24.88 |
| 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 Manteca, CA earn a median of $51,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.20% below the California state average of $52,900.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.88/hr = $31,047/year (purchasing power: $27,451).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,745/year (purchasing power: $45,751).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Manteca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Manteca grew 19.9% from $20.11/hr (2019) to $24.12/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.66/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 Manteca 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 Manteca
Beyond full-time positions, part-time dental assistants in Manteca must consider their earning potentials versus full-time roles, as working 24 hours weekly can impact annual take-home pay significantly. Many also explore per diem opportunities, with per diem dental assistant pay in Manteca generally ranging from $22 to $35 per hour, while those with specialty experience in oral surgery or orthodontics may command rates between $28 and $45 per hour. Variability in hourly wages is prevalent, depending on the type of employer—general practices, specialty offices, and dental chains like Heartland and Aspen each have unique salary structures. Although per diem positions can offer higher hourly rates, they usually lack benefits, prompting some dental assistants to accept lower compensation for stable healthcare coverage. Understanding these dynamics and effectively negotiating hourly rates can help professionals in this region maximize their earnings potential while navigating the evolving dental assistant job market in CA.
More salary data for Manteca, 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 Manteca. 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 Manteca 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