Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Santa Maria, CA: $25.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Santa Maria, CA runs $25.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,921 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Santa Maria's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.8, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,755 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Maria, California, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $25.44, placing them above the national median of $23.84. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various dental settings, including general dental clinics, pediatric offices, orthodontic practices, and specialty surgical suites. For those considering part-time work, particularly three days per week, the hourly compensation allows them to balance work with other commitments effectively. The hourly pay range spans from $22.02 for entry-level positions to $31.86 for experienced assistants in the top tier, providing an attractive earning potential for both full-time and per-diem workers. BLS data confirms these figures are reflective of the evolving job market in the dental field for 2026.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.02 | $176.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.43 | $187.47 |
| Median (P50) | $25.44 | $203.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.35 | $242.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.86 | $254.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Maria
Based on $25.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.44/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Maria, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,925 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,534. With a cost-of-living index of 108.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Maria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Maria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,017.79 | $4,410 | $52,925 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $610.67 | $2,646 | $31,755 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $407.11 | $1,764 | $21,170 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Santa Maria) | $25.44 |
| 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 Maria, CA earn a median of $52,921 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.74% higher than the national median of $49,579.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.44/hr = $31,755/year (purchasing power: $29,187).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,925/year (purchasing power: $48,645).
CoL index: 108.798 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Santa Maria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Santa Maria grew 23.9% from $19.91/hr (2019) to $24.67/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.24/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 Maria 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 Maria
Part-time dental assistants working 24 hours a week can realistically expect a take-home income significantly lower than full-time counterparts, impacting their annual earnings and financial stability. For per-diem dental assistant pay in Santa Maria, hourly rates can vary widely; common figures range from $22 to $35, with specialized areas like oral surgery or orthodontics offering rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Hourly compensation differs across employer types, with general dental practices typically offering lower rates compared to specialized offices or dental school clinics that may have more comprehensive benefit packages. Some dental assistants may opt for slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other benefits, highlighting the need for careful consideration during negotiation processes in this competitive job market. Additionally, agencies providing temporary dental assistants link workers to single-day shifts, offering flexibility while capitalizing on job opportunities throughout Santa Maria.
More salary data for Santa Maria, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Santa Maria in 2026?
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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 Maria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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