Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Cheshire, CT: $26.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Cheshire, CT runs $26.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,785 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Cheshire's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,467 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cheshire, Connecticut, dental assistants can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $26.82, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $23.84. This competitive rate reflects both the demand for skilled dental professionals and the cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, such as those who typically work three days a week, this hourly rate means a substantial take-home compared to many other professions. Entry-level dental assistants might start around $21.87, while those with more experience or specialized skills can earn up to $33.56 per hour in various settings, including general dentistry operatory rooms and pediatric dental clinics. These hourly figures, which are estimated from annual data, show an evolving landscape for dental assistant hourly rates in CT.
About the Cheshire Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.87 | $174.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.29 | $202.32 |
| Median (P50) | $26.82 | $214.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.96 | $255.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.56 | $268.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cheshire
Based on $26.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.82/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cheshire, CT can expect to earn approximately $55,778 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,180. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cheshire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cheshire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,072.66 | $4,648 | $55,778 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $643.59 | $2,789 | $33,467 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.06 | $1,859 | $22,311 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Cheshire) | $26.82 |
| 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 Cheshire, CT earn a median of $55,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.52% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 4.50% below the Connecticut state average of $58,414.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.82/hr = $33,467/year (purchasing power: $31,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,778/year (purchasing power: $51,694).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Cheshire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Cheshire grew 19.9% from $21.68/hr (2019) to $26.00/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.66/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 Cheshire 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 Cheshire
Considering the full spectrum of employment options, part-time dental assistants working a 24-hour week can take home approximately $33,033 annually, a figure considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem and agency dental assistants, who often operate on shifting schedules, typically bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery or orthodontics commanding rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Variations in hourly pay are also influenced by the type of practice, whether it's a family dental office, pediatric specialty, or a larger DSO chain like Heartland or Aspen, offering a range of benefits. Negotiating salaries can further enhance earning potential, especially for those willing to forgo benefits for a higher hourly pay, aligning with practices that prioritize a skilled workforce willing to adapt.
More salary data for Cheshire, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Cheshire in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Cheshire?
Are dental assistants in Cheshire paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Cheshire?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Cheshire?
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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 Cheshire. 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 Cheshire 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