Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Pittsburg, CA: $25.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Pittsburg, CA runs $25.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,211 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Pittsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,922 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pittsburg, California, the dental assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $25.58, indicating a competitive advantage over the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This is beneficial for part-time workers, such as those on a 3-day workweek, who can expect to earn approximately $1,223 weekly based on a typical 24-hour schedule. Per-diem dental assistants working in various settings—including pediatric clinics, orthodontic offices, and oral surgery facilities—might see hourly earnings ranging from $19.37 at entry-level positions to $32.98 for seasoned professionals. The city's estimated hourly rates reflect broader trends in California, where medical and dental fields typically offer favorable compensation, making Pittsburg an attractive locale for dental assistants seeking to maximize their income within this range.
About the Pittsburg 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) | $19.37 | $154.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.19 | $185.49 |
| Median (P50) | $25.58 | $204.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.94 | $247.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.98 | $263.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburg
Based on $25.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.58/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburg, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,204 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,694. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,023.15 | $4,434 | $53,204 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $613.89 | $2,660 | $31,922 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.26 | $1,773 | $21,281 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Pittsburg) | $25.58 |
| 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 Pittsburg, CA earn a median of $53,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.33% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.50% above the California state average of $52,946.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.58/hr = $31,922/year (purchasing power: $28,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,204/year (purchasing power: $47,041).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Pittsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Pittsburg grew 19.9% from $20.68/hr (2019) to $24.80/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.38/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 Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg
When examining the potential income for a dental assistant working part-time, it's evident that a 3-day/week schedule can yield a significant annual income, while full-time counterparts earn more consistently throughout the year. Per-diem or locum positions can vary considerably, as these professionals may command hourly rates from $22 to $35 for general work, and up to $45 for specialized roles such as those in oral surgery or orthodontics. The hourly rates across different types of employers in Pittsburg can fluctuate; for instance, dental support organizations (DSOs) like Heartland and Aspen might impose standardized pay scales, while specialized practices offer more flexibility that can increase hourly wages. Some dental assistants might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, creating an important trade-off to consider during negotiations. To attain the best compensation, it's wise to emphasize education and certification, such as DANB or EFDA credentials, which can significantly influence pay negotiations in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Pittsburg, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Pittsburg in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Pittsburg?
Are dental assistants in Pittsburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Pittsburg?
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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 Pittsburg. 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 Pittsburg 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