Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in South Gate, CA: $25.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in South Gate, CA runs $25.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against South Gate's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,279 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, California, dental assistants earn a median hourly rate of $25.06, surpassing the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive pay translates well for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, or oral surgery procedure rooms. Entry-level dental assistants can expect to start from around $20.15 an hour, while more experienced professionals can earn as much as $32.87 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from estimated annual salary data, providing insights into the income potential for those considering this career path in South Gate.
About the South Gate 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) | $20.15 | $161.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.05 | $184.41 |
| Median (P50) | $25.06 | $200.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.65 | $245.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.87 | $262.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Gate
Based on $25.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.06/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Gate, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,131 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,076. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Gate.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Gate
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,002.52 | $4,344 | $52,131 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $601.51 | $2,607 | $31,279 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.01 | $1,738 | $20,852 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (South Gate) | $25.06 |
| 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 South Gate, CA earn a median of $52,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.15% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.50% below the California state average of $52,924.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.06/hr = $31,279/year (purchasing power: $27,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,131/year (purchasing power: $46,093).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in South Gate grew 19.9% from $20.26/hr (2019) to $24.30/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.85/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 South Gate 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 South Gate
When exploring dental assistant hourly pay in South Gate, part-time possibilities can vary significantly. A dental assistant working three days a week at an average of 24 hours may find their annual take-home significantly lower than a full-time counterpart. For per-diem dental assistants, billing rates typically fall between $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized areas such as oral surgery or orthodontics reaching $28 to $45 per hour. Various types of employers, including solo practices, pediatric specialties, or dental school clinics, contribute to a range of pay scales. Many professionals might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for essential benefits like health insurance, contrasting with higher pay options that lack such perks. Practical negotiation strategies might include emphasizing specialized skills or certifications, particularly those from recognized bodies like DANB. An understanding of the differing pay structures across various employers can empower dental assistants to make informed career choices in South Gate.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in South Gate in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in South Gate?
Are dental assistants in South Gate paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in South Gate?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in South Gate?
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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 South Gate. 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 South Gate 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