Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Santa Clarita, CA: $25.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Santa Clarita, CA runs $25.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,070 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Santa Clarita's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,437 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santa Clarita, California, dental assistants can expect a median hourly rate of $25.99, which surpasses the national average of $23.84. This competitive pay can significantly benefit both part-time workers and those engaged in per-diem positions, which are commonplace within various dental settings such as pediatric dental offices, orthodontic practices, and oral surgery clinics. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this translates to a solid income potential when combined with the hourly range that stretches from $19.78 for entry-level positions up to $35.63 for top earners. The hourly rates provided are derived from annual salary projections and reflect the state’s robust demand for skilled dental professionals.
About the Santa Clarita 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) | $19.78 | $158.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.79 | $190.36 |
| Median (P50) | $25.99 | $207.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.48 | $259.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.63 | $285.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clarita
Based on $25.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.99/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clarita, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,062 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,190. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clarita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clarita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,039.65 | $4,505 | $54,062 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $623.79 | $2,703 | $32,437 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $415.86 | $1,802 | $21,625 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Santa Clarita) | $25.99 |
| 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 Santa Clarita, CA earn a median of $54,070 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.06% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.20% above the California state average of $52,906.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.99/hr = $32,437/year (purchasing power: $28,680).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,062/year (purchasing power: $47,800).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Santa Clarita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Santa Clarita grew 19.9% from $21.01/hr (2019) to $25.20/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.81/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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita
Part-time dental assistants in Santa Clarita, working approximately 24 hours a week, will find their earning potential can vary widely based on the type of position and employer. While a full-time position would yield significantly higher annual compensation, part-time practitioners still have impressive take-home pay that can meet personal needs. Per diem work offers a different dynamic, with many dental assistants billing hourly rates between $22 and $35; those in specialty areas like oral surgery may see rates ranging from $28 to $45 per hour. Various employer types, including general dental practices, group practices, and specialty offices, affect the hourly rates on offer. This diversity means some dental assistants may accept lower hourly pay—perhaps in the interest of obtaining health benefits—while others choose to pursue higher pay in benefit-free roles. Negotiation is essential in this field, especially considering the growing trend of DSO chains standardizing pay scales. Understanding this complex landscape can empower dental assistants to make informed career choices.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Santa Clarita in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Santa Clarita?
Are dental assistants in Santa Clarita paid hourly or salary?
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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 Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita 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