Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Redding, CA: $24.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Redding, CA runs $24.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Redding's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.7, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,004 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Redding, California, the median dental assistant hourly pay is projected at $24.04 for 2026, slightly above the national average of $23.84. This competitively positioned wage reflects the local demand for dental assistants working across various environments, including general dentistry operatories and specialty clinics like pediatric, orthodontic, and oral surgery practices. For those considering part-time work, which often consists of three-day workweeks, or per-diem opportunities, this hourly rate offers substantial earnings potential. Entry-level dental assistants might earn around $20.03, while the top earners in specialized roles can achieve rates as high as $30.04. This information, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, underscores the career viability in Redding’s dental health industry.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.03 | $160.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.17 | $185.32 |
| Median (P50) | $24.04 | $192.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.13 | $233.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.04 | $240.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redding
Based on $24.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.04/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redding, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,850. With a cost-of-living index of 100.68 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redding.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redding
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $961.68 | $4,167 | $50,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $577.01 | $2,500 | $30,004 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.67 | $1,667 | $20,003 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Redding) | $24.04 |
| 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 Redding, CA earn a median of $50,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.88% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 5.50% below the California state average of $52,923.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.04/hr = $30,004/year (purchasing power: $29,800).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,007/year (purchasing power: $49,667).
CoL index: 100.684 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Redding (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Redding grew 22.2% from $19.08/hr (2019) to $23.31/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.80/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 Redding 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 Redding
Exploring the financial ramifications of working part-time as a dental assistant reveals a significant difference in annual earnings compared to full-time positions. A part-time employee averaging 24 hours a week would generate an estimated income of approximately $29,849 yearly, whereas full-timers could surpass the $50,000 mark. For those interested in flexible work arrangements, per diem dental assistant pay in Redding typically ranges from $22 to $35 an hour, with specialties bumping this to $28-$45 hourly. Rates can fluctuate based on the type of dental practice; general dental offices might pay on the lower end, whereas orthodontic and oral surgery practices often command higher rates. However, many assistants opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits that full-time roles may offer. When negotiating hourly wages, emphasizing specialized training or certifications such as DANB or EFDA can greatly influence compensation in this evolving landscape as DSO chains continue to change hiring practices.
More salary data for Redding, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Redding. 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