Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in San Buenaventura, CA: $25.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in San Buenaventura, CA runs $25.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,448 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against San Buenaventura's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,064 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Buenaventura, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $25.69 by 2026, placing it above the national median of $23.84. This strong hourly rate can be advantageous for part-time dental assistants, who typically work around three days a week, or for those engaged in per-diem roles within various dental settings. Whether assisting in general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, or orthodontic practices, dental assistants in the area find themselves earning from $20.45 at entry-level positions up to $34.64 for more experienced practitioners or those in specialized roles. This range reflects the overall demand for dental services and the proficiency levels of the assistants, making it a potentially lucrative field within San Buenaventura, CA.
About the San Buenaventura 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) | $20.45 | $163.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.11 | $192.91 |
| Median (P50) | $25.69 | $205.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.89 | $255.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.64 | $277.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Buenaventura
Based on $25.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.69/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Buenaventura, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,440 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,831. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Buenaventura.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Buenaventura
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,027.69 | $4,453 | $53,440 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $616.61 | $2,672 | $32,064 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.07 | $1,781 | $21,376 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (San Buenaventura) | $25.69 |
| 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 San Buenaventura, CA earn a median of $53,448 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.80% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.00% above the California state average of $52,919.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.69/hr = $32,064/year (purchasing power: $28,350).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,440/year (purchasing power: $47,250).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in San Buenaventura (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in San Buenaventura grew 19.9% from $20.77/hr (2019) to $24.91/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.50/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 San Buenaventura 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 San Buenaventura
Examining part-time earnings more closely, a dental assistant working 24 hours per week takes home approximately $32,039 annually. This is substantially less than what full-time counterparts earn, making it essential for part-timers to assess their financial needs carefully. In contrast, per-diem dental assistants commonly earn anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics sometimes billing between $28 and $45. Moreover, hourly rates can significantly differ depending on the type of employer; general practices may offer lower rates, while specialties like pediatric or periodontal offices might pay more. Some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher hourly pay without benefits depending on their personal circumstances. For those negotiating pay in San Buenaventura, it’s advisable to research current market trends and highlight any certifications such as DANB or expanded function qualifications to strengthen their position.
More salary data for San Buenaventura, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in San Buenaventura in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in San Buenaventura?
Are dental assistants in San Buenaventura paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in San Buenaventura?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Buenaventura?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 San Buenaventura. 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 San Buenaventura 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