Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in DeLand, FL: $22.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in DeLand, FL runs $22.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against DeLand's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,855 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeLand, Florida, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.32 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $23.84. This pay level provides a solid earning opportunity for dental assistants, particularly for those working part-time or in per-diem positions across various settings like general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and specialty practices. For instance, a part-time worker on a typical three-day work schedule might find the hourly rate adequate for their needs, while those in per-diem positions could see rates range from $18.67 up to $28.60 depending on experience and specialization. With a salary range from $18.67 (entry-level) to $28.60 (top earners), dental assistants in DeLand can expect their hourly earnings to fluctuate based on the demands of their specific roles and the complexity of procedures involved.
About the DeLand 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) | $18.67 | $149.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.46 | $171.71 |
| Median (P50) | $22.32 | $178.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.01 | $216.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.60 | $228.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeLand
Based on $22.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.32/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeLand, FL can expect to earn approximately $46,425 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,783. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in DeLand.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeLand
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $892.78 | $3,869 | $46,425 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $535.67 | $2,321 | $27,855 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $357.11 | $1,547 | $18,570 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (DeLand) | $22.32 |
| 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 DeLand, FL earn a median of $46,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.35% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.00% below the Florida state average of $47,865.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.32/hr = $27,855/year (purchasing power: $27,634).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,425/year (purchasing power: $46,056).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in DeLand (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in DeLand grew 19.9% from $18.04/hr (2019) to $21.64/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.02/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 DeLand 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 DeLand
Examining the earning potential for part-time dental assistants reveals that those working just three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, would make a substantial income but still fall short of full-time earnings. In a typical year, this could translate to nearly $54,000, providing an attractive revenue opportunity when balancing work with personal commitments. Per diem dental assistants in DeLand can often command varying hourly rates, with general duties billing around $22-$35, while specialized fields like oral surgery or orthodontics may see rates spike to as much as $28-$45. Additionally, compensation often varies depending on the type of employer, with large dental service organizations like Heartland and Aspen tending to offer standardized pay scales. These organizations may provide benefits that smaller practices would not, leading some dental assistants to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health coverage. For those negotiating pay, understanding the local market rates and remaining flexible about the total compensation package—including benefits—can significantly enhance their earning potential in DeLand's competitive environment.
More salary data for DeLand, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 DeLand. 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 DeLand 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