Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $24.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Merced, CA runs $24.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,044 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,030 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Merced, CA, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.06, surpassing the national average of $23.84 per hour. This competitive rate reflects the rising demand for dental services in the area and provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time work opportunities. Part-time dental assistants working three days a week can anticipate a stable income, particularly in settings like general dental practices, pediatric offices, orthodontic clinics, and oral surgery facilities. The hourly pay for dental assistants in Merced ranges from about $22.44 for entry-level positions to approximately $29.91 for those with advanced skills and experience, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.44 | $179.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.82 | $190.52 |
| Median (P50) | $24.06 | $192.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.65 | $229.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.91 | $239.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $24.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.06/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,050 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,875. With a cost-of-living index of 98.28 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $962.50 | $4,171 | $50,050 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.50 | $2,503 | $30,030 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.00 | $1,668 | $20,020 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Merced) | $24.06 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $50,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.94% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.40% below the California state average of $52,900.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.06/hr = $30,030/year (purchasing power: $30,557).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,050/year (purchasing power: $50,929).
CoL index: 98.275 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Merced (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Merced grew 31.4% from $17.75/hr (2019) to $23.33/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.82/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 Merced 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 Merced
From an analytical standpoint, the earning potential for part-time dental assistants should be carefully considered. A dental assistant working a 24-hour week could see substantial annual earnings, significantly enhancing their financial flexibility compared to full-time counterparts. Additionally, per diem dental assistants—who often bill between $22 and $35 per hour—play a crucial role in meeting fluctuating staffing needs. Specialty practices may offer even higher per diem rates, with orthodontic and oral surgery positions offering pay between $28 and $45 per hour. In Merced, hourly wages can vary widely based on employer type, with general practices typically offering lower pay compared to specialized offices. Dental assistants often face a benefit trade-off, choosing between higher hourly rates without benefits or lower pay with health insurance options. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding local pay scales and having knowledge of the opportunities presented by DSOs, like Heartland and Aspen, can greatly enhance their bargaining position.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Merced in 2026?
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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 Merced. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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