Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Richmond, CA: $25.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Richmond, CA runs $25.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,923 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,360 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Richmond, California, offers a competitive dental assistant hourly pay, with a median rate of $25.93, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This elevated rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities across various clinical settings like general dentistry operatories and orthodontic practices. The hourly range for dental assistants in Richmond spans from $18.97 for entry-level positions to $33.74 for experienced professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and highlight the earning potential based on skill level and experience, painting a promising picture for individuals in this crucial support role.
About the Richmond 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) | $18.97 | $151.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.06 | $184.50 |
| Median (P50) | $25.93 | $207.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.46 | $251.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.74 | $269.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $25.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.93/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,933 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,115. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,037.18 | $4,494 | $53,933 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $622.31 | $2,697 | $32,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.87 | $1,798 | $21,573 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Richmond) | $25.93 |
| 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 Richmond, CA earn a median of $53,923 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.90% above the California state average of $52,917.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.93/hr = $32,360/year (purchasing power: $28,612).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,933/year (purchasing power: $47,686).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Richmond grew 19.9% from $20.96/hr (2019) to $25.14/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.74/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Considering part-time opportunities, a dental assistant working three days a week could expect to take home a substantial income compared to their full-time counterparts, benefiting from increased flexibility and work-life balance. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Richmond varies widely, with rates typically falling between $22 and $35 per hour for general duties, while specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics can command upwards of $28 to $45 per hour. Factors like the type of practice—ranging from solo dental offices to larger DSO chains such as Heartland and Aspen—also affect hourly wages. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating wages, demonstrating experience, obtaining DANB certification, or discussing expanded function authority (EFDA) can enhance bargaining power in this evolving job market of Richmond, CA.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Richmond?
Are dental assistants in Richmond paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Richmond?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Richmond?
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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