Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in San Leandro, CA: $25.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in San Leandro, CA runs $25.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,017 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against San Leandro's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,214 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a dental assistant in San Leandro, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $25.01. This rate is notably higher than the national median of $23.84, reflecting the demand for qualified professionals in the field. For those working part-time, assuming a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a respectable income, allowing them to thrive in various settings, such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric offices, orthodontic clinics, and more. The hourly wage can range from $20.09 for entry-level positions to about $33.54 for top earners in the area, providing a competitive pay scale for both new and seasoned dental assistants. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and indicate a robust market for dental assistants in San Leandro.
About the San Leandro 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) | $20.09 | $160.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.48 | $187.88 |
| Median (P50) | $25.01 | $200.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.58 | $236.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.54 | $268.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Leandro
Based on $25.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.01/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Leandro, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,024 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,014. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Leandro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Leandro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,000.46 | $4,335 | $52,024 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $600.27 | $2,601 | $31,214 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.18 | $1,734 | $20,810 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (San Leandro) | $25.01 |
| 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 Leandro, CA earn a median of $52,017 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.92% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.70% below the California state average of $52,916.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.01/hr = $31,214/year (purchasing power: $27,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,024/year (purchasing power: $45,998).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in San Leandro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in San Leandro grew 19.9% from $20.22/hr (2019) to $24.25/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.80/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 San Leandro 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 Leandro
Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week can take home around $31,200 annually. This figure contrasts with the potential earnings of full-time assistants, which further accentuates the appeal of flexible schedules for many in this field. Per-diem dental assistant pay in San Leandro often ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery and orthodontics earning higher rates, from $28 to $45 per hour. Temp agencies like Cloud Dentistry and GoTu offer opportunities for fill-in shifts, expanding options for those seeking varied work experiences. Hourly rates vary considerably across dental practices in San Leandro; general practices, pediatric offices, and specialized clinics all have distinct pay structures influenced by factors such as patient volume and the availability of benefits. Some dental assistants may accept lower hourly wages for additional perks like health insurance, while others might prefer the higher hourly rates that come with no benefits. Negotiating effectively can enhance earning potential, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local market dynamics and leveraging certifications from recognized bodies like DANB.
More salary data for San Leandro, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in San Leandro in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in San Leandro?
Are dental assistants in San Leandro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in San Leandro?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in San Leandro?
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 Leandro. 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 Leandro 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