Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Daytona Beach, FL: $22.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Daytona Beach, FL runs $22.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,157 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Daytona Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,700 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Daytona Beach, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $22.20 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This pay rate not only reflects the value of skilled work in various settings—including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and orthodontic practices—but also offers flexibility for part-time employees. Those working part-time, such as three days a week, can maintain a rewarding lifestyle, earning between $17.48 and $29.31 per hour depending on their experience and the nature of their practice. Entry-level dental assistants can expect pay closer to $17.48, while seasoned professionals may reach the upper end of the hourly range, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments throughout the city.
About the Daytona Beach Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.48 | $139.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.58 | $164.61 |
| Median (P50) | $22.20 | $177.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.31 | $218.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.31 | $234.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Daytona Beach
Based on $22.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.20/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Daytona Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $46,167 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,635. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Daytona Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Daytona Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $887.83 | $3,847 | $46,167 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $532.70 | $2,308 | $27,700 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.13 | $1,539 | $18,467 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Daytona Beach) | $22.20 |
| 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 Daytona Beach, FL earn a median of $46,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.60% below the Florida state average of $47,881.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.20/hr = $27,700/year (purchasing power: $27,480).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,167/year (purchasing power: $45,801).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Daytona Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Daytona Beach grew 19.9% from $17.94/hr (2019) to $21.52/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.89/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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach
Focusing on part-time and per-diem earning potential, a dental assistant working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, can realistically take home an annual income significantly below that of full-time peers. Per-diem dental assistant pay in Daytona Beach typically ranges from $22 to $35 per hour, with specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics offering rates as high as $28 to $45 per hour. Dental assistants employed in general practices might earn lower rates compared to those in fast-paced specialty offices, facing trade-offs between higher wages without benefits versus lower rates with security. For those looking to negotiate their hourly pay, it's advisable to emphasize specialized skills, particularly if they hold EFDA credentials or certifications from esteemed organizations like DANB. As these trends evolve, dental assistants in Daytona Beach should stay informed about the shifting dynamics within popular DSO chains and their impact on wage scales.
More salary data for Daytona Beach, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Daytona Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Daytona Beach?
Are dental assistants in Daytona Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Daytona Beach?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Daytona Beach?
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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 Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach 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