Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $25.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $25.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,645 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,193 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rancho Cucamonga, California, the projected dental assistant hourly pay is set at $25.80 for 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $23.84. This salary reflects the demand and competitive nature of the profession within various dental settings, including general dentistry, pediatric practices, and oral surgery clinics. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, the hourly rate offers a solid income, particularly for those working three days a week, while entry-level dental assistants can expect to earn around $18.73 per hour. Top earners in the field can reach up to $33.22 per hour, highlighting a promising range for both new dental assistants entering the workforce and seasoned professionals looking for higher compensation.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $18.73 | $149.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.31 | $194.48 |
| Median (P50) | $25.80 | $206.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.15 | $249.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.22 | $265.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $25.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.80/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,654 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,954. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,031.81 | $4,471 | $53,654 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $619.09 | $2,683 | $32,193 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $412.73 | $1,788 | $21,462 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rancho Cucamonga) | $25.80 |
| 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 Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $53,645 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.20% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% above the California state average of $52,905.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.80/hr = $32,193/year (purchasing power: $28,464).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,654/year (purchasing power: $47,440).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rancho Cucamonga grew 19.9% from $20.85/hr (2019) to $25.01/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.61/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 Cucamonga 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 Cucamonga
For part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay would approximate $32,256, offering a steady income while allowing flexibility. Meanwhile, per diem dental assistants generally charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery and orthodontics fetching even higher rates of $28 to $45 per hour. The diversity of employers in Rancho Cucamonga, from family-run dental practices to larger chains like Heartland and Aspen, directly influences hourly compensation, with some dental assistants accepting lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For anyone in the field, effective negotiation becomes essential, particularly when weighing the pros and cons of hourly rates that come with varying benefits. Understanding regional trends and individual circumstances can empower dental assistants in Rancho Cucamonga to make informed decisions regarding their career and compensation structure.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are dental assistants in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
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Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Cucamonga. 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 Cucamonga 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