Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Moreno Valley, CA: $25.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Moreno Valley, CA runs $25.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,412 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Moreno Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,051 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Moreno Valley, California, earn a median hourly rate of $25.68, which is significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. This rate is beneficial for individuals seeking part-time positions, where working three days a week in various clinical environments such as pediatric or orthodontic practices allows for a sustainable income while still balancing other commitments. The hourly pay ranges from $19.17 at the entry level to $34.55 for top earners, providing a competitive landscape for dental assistants in the area. Given the nature of the job, whether in general dentistry operatories or specialized settings, these figures reflect a growing recognition of the profession's demand and skill requirements in Moreno Valley.
About the Moreno Valley 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) | $19.17 | $153.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.14 | $185.16 |
| Median (P50) | $25.68 | $205.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.27 | $258.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.55 | $276.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moreno Valley
Based on $25.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.68/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moreno Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,818. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Moreno Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moreno Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,027.27 | $4,452 | $53,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $616.36 | $2,671 | $32,051 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $410.91 | $1,781 | $21,367 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Moreno Valley) | $25.68 |
| 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 Moreno Valley, CA earn a median of $53,412 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.73% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.90% above the California state average of $52,936.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.68/hr = $32,051/year (purchasing power: $28,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,418/year (purchasing power: $47,231).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Moreno Valley grew 19.9% from $20.76/hr (2019) to $24.90/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.49/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 Moreno Valley 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 Moreno Valley
When considering the earning potential for part-time dental assistants in Moreno Valley, those working 24 hours a week can expect a considerable annual income, though it falls short of full-time earnings. Part-time roles are often supplemented by opportunities for per diem work, where dental assistants typically bill between $22-$35 per hour; however, specialized areas like oral surgery see rates climb to $28-$45. As dental support organizations (DSOs) such as Heartland and Aspen Dental standardize pay scales across practices, hourly wages can vary based on the type of employer. For some dental assistants, accepting a lower hourly rate in exchange for health benefits becomes a strategic decision. Negotiating rates can also depend on individual qualifications, such as DANB certification, which might justify a higher pay bracket in the competitive CA job market.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Moreno Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Moreno Valley?
Are dental assistants in Moreno Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Moreno Valley?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Moreno Valley?
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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 Moreno Valley. 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 Moreno Valley 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