Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $25.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Torrance, CA runs $25.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,829 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Torrance, California, can expect an hourly median pay of $25.88, significantly higher than the national median of $23.84. For those working part-time—typically around three days a week—this hourly rate allows for a comfortable income while balancing other commitments, especially in diverse environments such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic chair rows. The hourly pay range for dental assistants in Torrance spans from approximately $18.85 for entry-level positions to up to $35.26 for those on the higher end of the pay scale. This variability provides options for both new assistants beginning their careers and seasoned professionals seeking specialized work or higher compensation, illustrating the flexible nature of the profession in the region.
About the Torrance 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) | $18.85 | $150.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.96 | $183.67 |
| Median (P50) | $25.88 | $207.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.34 | $258.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.26 | $282.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $25.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.88/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,826 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,053. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,035.11 | $4,485 | $53,826 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $621.07 | $2,691 | $32,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.05 | $1,794 | $21,530 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Torrance) | $25.88 |
| 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 Torrance, CA earn a median of $53,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.57% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.70% above the California state average of $52,929.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.88/hr = $32,296/year (purchasing power: $28,555).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,826/year (purchasing power: $47,591).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Torrance grew 19.9% from $20.92/hr (2019) to $25.09/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.69/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
While full-time dental assistants may draw in a consistent income, part-time workers can expect to earn significantly different annual figures over the course of their careers. A dental assistant working three days a week, clocking in around 24 hours, would earn roughly $32,000 annually, offering a good living depending on lifestyle choices. In contrast, per-diem dental assistants often engage with multiple practices, charging rates ranging from $22 to $35, or even $28 to $45 for specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics. Such flexibility can attract those who prefer not to commit to one employer, yet this reliance on short-term contracts offers little in terms of benefits, prompting some to choose lower hourly wages for positions that include health insurance. Understanding how rates vary across different employer types in Torrance—from solo dental practices to comprehensive dental service organizations (DSOs)—is key for negotiation. Competitive agencies like Cloud Dentistry and GoTu facilitate on-demand placements, making it crucial for dental assistants to leverage their skills and certifications, such as DANB or ADAA credentials, while negotiating their hourly pay and benefits.
More salary data for Torrance, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Torrance in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Torrance?
Are dental assistants in Torrance paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Torrance?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Torrance?
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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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