Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Yuba City, CA: $24.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Yuba City, CA runs $24.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,601 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Yuba City's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.2, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,957 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Yuba City, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $24.81 in 2026, exceeding the national median hourly wage of $23.84. This competitive compensation level makes Yuba City an attractive locale for both full-time and part-time dental assistants. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly rate allows for viable earning potential in a variety of settings, including general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, and orthodontic practices. The hourly wage range varies significantly in the area, as entry-level positions may command around $19.45, while experienced professionals can earn up to $30.60 per hour, providing ample opportunity for growth and higher earnings with experience and specialized training.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.45 | $155.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.52 | $180.12 |
| Median (P50) | $24.81 | $198.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.58 | $236.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.60 | $244.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yuba City
Based on $24.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.81/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yuba City, CA can expect to earn approximately $51,595 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,766. With a cost-of-living index of 104.23 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Yuba City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yuba City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $992.21 | $4,300 | $51,595 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.32 | $2,580 | $30,957 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.88 | $1,720 | $20,638 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Yuba City) | $24.81 |
| 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 Yuba City, CA earn a median of $51,601 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.08% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.50% below the California state average of $52,924.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.81/hr = $30,957/year (purchasing power: $29,700).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,595/year (purchasing power: $49,499).
CoL index: 104.233 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Yuba City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Yuba City grew 27.5% from $18.86/hr (2019) to $24.05/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.58/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 Yuba City 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 Yuba City
Examining part-time earning potential, a dental assistant who works 24 hours a week could take home about $30,341 annually, which differs from full-time earnings that can be significantly higher. Per diem dental assistant pay in Yuba City often fluctuates between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized fields such as oral surgery and orthodontics offering rates between $28 and $45 per hour. While general dental practices may provide lower hourly wages, they typically also offer stable employment with health benefits, making them viable options for those seeking job security. For those considering a position, it's wise to investigate different employer types and negotiate according to the specific benefits offered. With growing DSO chains like Heartland and Pacific Dental often standardizing pay rates and training, understanding the local job market and the pathways to expanded function authority can also greatly influence earning potential.
More salary data for Yuba City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Yuba City 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 Yuba City. 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