Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $25.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $25.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,486 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,497 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Rancho Cordova are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $25.24, surpassing the national hourly median of $23.84. This higher pay reflects the local demand and cost of living adjustments for dental professionals. For those working part-time—say three days a week—the hourly rate allows for flexibility to effectively balance work and personal commitments. A dental assistant in this role can expect to earn between $18.65 and $33.38 per hour, depending on experience and specialty, making the profession accessible to entry-level candidates and financially rewarding for seasoned professionals alike. Typical work settings, including general dentistry operatories and pediatric offices, provide varied experiences that can influence a dental assistant's earning potential.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $18.65 | $149.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.97 | $191.76 |
| Median (P50) | $25.24 | $201.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.14 | $241.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.38 | $267.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $25.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.24/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,496 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,286. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,009.53 | $4,375 | $52,496 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $605.72 | $2,625 | $31,497 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.81 | $1,750 | $20,998 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rancho Cordova) | $25.24 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $52,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.86% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.80% below the California state average of $52,909.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.24/hr = $31,497/year (purchasing power: $27,849).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,496/year (purchasing power: $46,415).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rancho Cordova grew 19.9% from $20.40/hr (2019) to $24.47/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.03/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 Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova
Earning potential for dental assistants working part-time can vary significantly. A 3-day workweek totaling 24 hours at the median hourly rate translates to an approximate annual income of $31,000, which is considerably less than that of a full-time employee. For those considering per-diem options, pay typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics reaching up to $28 to $45 per hour. Moreover, dental assistant hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer type in Rancho Cordova—ranging from group practices to specialty clinics and dental school environments. Some dental assistants may be willing to accept lower per-hour rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may prefer higher rates for flexibility. When negotiating wages, it's beneficial to highlight skills and consider seeking opportunities within the growing DSO chains in the area, such as Heartland or Aspen Dental, which often have standardized pay scales for their dental assistants.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Rancho Cordova?
Are dental assistants in Rancho Cordova paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Rancho Cordova?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cordova?
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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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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