Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Torrington, CT: $27.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Torrington, CT runs $27.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Torrington's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,098 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrington, CT, the dental assistant hourly pay reflects a competitive median rate of $27.32, significantly higher than the national average of $23.84. This generous pay scale provides opportunities for both part-time and per-diem dental assistants, who often work in various settings such as general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices. The hourly range for dental assistants in this region stretches from $20.85 at the lower end to $35.10 for those at the top of the pay scale, allowing for a diverse earning potential. Given the cost of living index in Torrington, which stands at 107.9, this hourly rate becomes even more critical for professionals managing their expenses while working in dental clinics or assisting during oral surgeries.
About the Torrington 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) | $20.85 | $166.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.37 | $210.98 |
| Median (P50) | $27.32 | $218.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.19 | $265.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.10 | $280.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrington
Based on $27.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.32/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrington, CT can expect to earn approximately $56,829 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,786. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,092.87 | $4,736 | $56,829 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.72 | $2,841 | $34,098 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.15 | $1,894 | $22,732 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Torrington) | $27.32 |
| 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 Torrington, CT earn a median of $56,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.62% higher than the national median of $49,579 and 2.70% below the Connecticut state average of $58,405.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.32/hr = $34,098/year (purchasing power: $31,601).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,829/year (purchasing power: $52,669).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Torrington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Torrington grew 19.9% from $22.09/hr (2019) to $26.49/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.18/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 Torrington 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 Torrington
Analyzing part-time and per-diem earnings provides further insight into the dental assistant role. A dental assistant working three days a week, with an average of 24 hours, can expect to take home a salary significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet this model offers flexibility that many seek. Per-diem dental assistants typically bill between $22 to $35 per hour, while specialized positions, such as those in oral surgery or orthodontics, can command rates from $28 to $45 per hour. The variation in hourly rates across different types of employers, including general practices, specialty offices, and dental schools, highlights the landscape in Torrington. While some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others prefer higher pay without such perks. For those negotiating their hourly rate, especially within dental service organizations (DSOs) like Heartland or Pacific Dental, understanding local labor dynamics and articulating value—such as experience with expanded functions—can greatly enhance their bargaining position.
More salary data for Torrington, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Torrington 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 Torrington. 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 Torrington 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