Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Rialto, CA: $25.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Rialto, CA runs $25.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,897 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Rialto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,334 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rialto, California, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $25.91, which surpasses the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive pay is significant, especially for part-time professionals and those accepting per-diem assignments in various settings including general dentistry practices, pediatric clinics, and dental school student environments. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $19.04 per hour, while top earners can command as much as $33.70 based on demand and specialization. These figures reflect estimates derived from underlying annual salary projections, showcasing the financial viability of pursuing a career as a dental assistant in this region.
About the Rialto 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) | $19.04 | $152.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.03 | $184.25 |
| Median (P50) | $25.91 | $207.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.43 | $251.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.70 | $269.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rialto
Based on $25.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.91/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rialto, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,890 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,091. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rialto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rialto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,036.35 | $4,491 | $53,890 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $621.81 | $2,695 | $32,334 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.54 | $1,796 | $21,556 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Rialto) | $25.91 |
| 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 Rialto, CA earn a median of $53,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.71% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.80% above the California state average of $52,944.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.91/hr = $32,334/year (purchasing power: $28,589).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,890/year (purchasing power: $47,648).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Rialto grew 19.9% from $20.94/hr (2019) to $25.12/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.72/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 Rialto 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 Rialto
For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days a week typically yields a substantial income compared to full-time roles. While part-time dental assistants may find stability with consistent shifts and reliable paychecks, the per-diem landscape can vary significantly, with rates between $22 and $45 depending on the specialty. Organizations such as Cloud Dentistry and GoTu connect dental assistants with temporary opportunities that can provide flexibility and the potential for higher hourly compensation. Furthermore, hourly pay varies across different employer types in Rialto, with general practices and specialty offices offering differing pay rates and benefits. Some dental assistants may opt for roles at lower pay but with health insurance and other benefits, balancing financial needs with job security. Negotiation strategies are crucial; prospective dental assistants should research prevailing rates and leverage their skill sets, particularly in high-demand specialties, to secure favorable pay.
More salary data for Rialto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Rialto in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Rialto?
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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 Rialto. 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 Rialto 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