Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Woodland, CA: $25.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Woodland, CA runs $25.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,601 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Woodland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,167 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woodland, California, a dental assistant earns a median hourly rate of $25.77, which exceeds the national median of $23.84 by a significant margin. This competitive pay scale is beneficial for both full-time employees and part-time workers, especially those who prefer flexible schedules. With entry-level dental assistants making approximately $19.90 per hour, and top earners receiving around $33.55 per hour, there are opportunities for career advancement. Typical environments for dental assistants in Woodland include general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, orthodontic practices, and oral surgery suites. Those considering per-diem positions can find work in various settings, such as dental school clinics, where rates typically align with these hourly figures based on projected annual salary data.
About the Woodland 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) | $19.90 | $159.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.59 | $188.70 |
| Median (P50) | $25.77 | $206.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.42 | $251.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.55 | $268.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodland
Based on $25.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.77/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodland, CA can expect to earn approximately $53,611 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,930. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woodland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,030.99 | $4,468 | $53,611 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $618.59 | $2,681 | $32,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $412.39 | $1,787 | $21,445 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Woodland) | $25.77 |
| 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 Woodland, CA earn a median of $53,601 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.11% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 1.30% above the California state average of $52,913.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.77/hr = $32,167/year (purchasing power: $28,441).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,611/year (purchasing power: $47,402).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Woodland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodland grew 19.9% from $20.84/hr (2019) to $24.99/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.58/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 Woodland 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 Woodland
Examining the financial realities for part-time dental assistants reveals a different perspective on earning potential. Those working three days a week could take home approximately $32,000 annually, which highlights a significant contrast compared to full-time employment. For per-diem dental assistants, pay ranges between $22 to $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery and orthodontics reaching $28 to $45 per hour. In Woodland, the type of employer can greatly influence hourly rates; practices like Heartland, Aspen, and Pacific Dental tend to follow standardized pay scales, while pediatric and specialty practices may offer different compensation structures. Furthermore, many dental assistants weigh the benefits of employment carefully; those accepting lower hourly rates may receive vital health insurance and additional benefits, while others may prefer higher pay without such perks. Negotiation becomes key in these transitions, with tips for securing desirable pay involving clear communication about skills, certifications, and the added value of expanded function authority when applicable.
More salary data for Woodland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Woodland in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Woodland?
Are dental assistants in Woodland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Woodland?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Woodland?
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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 Woodland. 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 Woodland 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