Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Middletown, DE: $22.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Middletown, DE runs $22.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,958 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a dental assistant in Middletown, DE can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $22.40, slightly below the national median of $23.84. This rate offers a viable income option for various employment scenarios, including part-time positions, where a dental assistant working three days a week could earn around $1,071 weekly. The flexible nature of the profession allows for opportunities in diverse settings such as general dentistry offices, pediatric clinics, or oral surgery procedures, with entry-level positions starting at $18.10 and experienced assistants reaching up to $27.11 per hour. These figures indicate a competitive landscape for dental assistant hourly pay in Middletown, making it an appealing choice for those entering the field or seeking per diem work arrangements.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.10 | $144.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.92 | $167.33 |
| Median (P50) | $22.40 | $179.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.24 | $209.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.11 | $216.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $22.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.40/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, DE can expect to earn approximately $46,596 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,882. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $896.08 | $3,883 | $46,596 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.65 | $2,330 | $27,958 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.43 | $1,553 | $18,638 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Middletown) | $22.40 |
| 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 Middletown, DE earn a median of $46,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.60% below the Delaware state average of $50,419.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.40/hr = $27,958/year (purchasing power: $27,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,596/year (purchasing power: $45,817).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Middletown grew 19.9% from $18.11/hr (2019) to $21.72/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.11/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
The earning potential for part-time dental assistants and those taking a per diem approach can vary significantly. For example, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week would bring home an estimated annual income of about $52,934, whereas full-time employees might earn comparatively more. Per diem dental assistant pay in Middletown typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialists in oral surgery and orthodontics able to command even higher rates of $28 to $45 hourly. Employment type impacts pay, with general practices often offering lower rates compared to specialty clinics and hospital settings. There can be trade-offs when balancing benefits versus hourly rates. For instance, positions with lower hourly wages may include health insurance and other benefits, which can appeal to many workers. Negotiating pay can also be essential; knowing local market rates, being flexible on hours, and emphasizing unique skills, such as expanded functions endorsed by DANB, can enhance a dental assistant's prospects in Middletown’s competitive job environment.
More salary data for Middletown, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Middletown?
Are dental assistants in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Middletown?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Delaware
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 Middletown. 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 Middletown 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