Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Yucaipa, CA: $25.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Yucaipa, CA runs $25.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,536 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Yucaipa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,523 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yucaipa, California, the projected median hourly pay for dental assistants in 2026 stands at $25.26, significantly above the national median of $23.84. This competitive hourly rate is especially advantageous for part-time dental assistants who typically work three days a week, allowing for a beneficial balance between work and personal life. In various clinical environments—from general dentistry to specialized pediatric and orthodontic practices—hourly rates vary quite a bit. Entry-level dental assistants might make $18.70 per hour, while those with extensive experience, particularly in oral surgery or periodontal settings, can earn up to $33.52 per hour, highlighting a broader range of earning potential based on expertise and employer type.
About the Yucaipa 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) | $18.70 | $149.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.02 | $192.17 |
| Median (P50) | $25.26 | $202.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.13 | $249.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.52 | $268.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yucaipa
Based on $25.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.26/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yucaipa, CA can expect to earn approximately $52,539 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,311. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Yucaipa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yucaipa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,010.36 | $4,378 | $52,539 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $606.22 | $2,627 | $31,523 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $404.14 | $1,751 | $21,015 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Yucaipa) | $25.26 |
| 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 Yucaipa, CA earn a median of $52,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.96% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 0.70% below the California state average of $52,907.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.26/hr = $31,523/year (purchasing power: $27,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,539/year (purchasing power: $46,453).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Yucaipa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Yucaipa grew 19.9% from $20.42/hr (2019) to $24.49/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.05/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 Yucaipa 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 Yucaipa
As dental assistants in Yucaipa consider their earning strategies, part-time arrangements can yield significant income, with a 24-hour workweek translating into a take-home annual income well below that of full-time colleagues. Per diem roles further diversify income opportunities; dental assistants working on a per diem basis often bill anywhere from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery or orthodontics seeing rates climb to $28 to $45 per hour. Various employer types, ranging from general dental practices to orthodontic offices, influence compensation strategies heavily. While professionals may trade lower hourly rates for benefits in traditional settings, those willing to forgo health insurance can negotiate higher pay in flexible per diem roles. To secure the best pay, dental assistants should stay informed about compensation norms and possibly seek to align with DSO chains like Hartland or Aspen that prioritize standardized pay scales and extensive training opportunities.
More salary data for Yucaipa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Yucaipa in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Yucaipa?
Are dental assistants in Yucaipa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Yucaipa?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Yucaipa?
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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 Yucaipa. 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 Yucaipa 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