Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Homestead, FL: $22.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Homestead, FL runs $22.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Homestead's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,318 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Homestead, Florida, dental assistant hourly pay is projected at $22.69 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $23.84 per hour. This rate provides a solid foundation for part-time and per-diem workers, especially those scheduling jobs in settings like general dentistry operatories or pediatric exam rooms. For a dental assistant working three days per week, this hourly wage translates to around 24 hours of work weekly, making it possible to earn a respectable income while maintaining a flexible schedule. The hourly range in Homestead spans from $18.33 for entry-level positions to $29.70 for experienced professionals or those in specialty practices, reflecting the varying qualifications and responsibilities associated with this role.
About the Homestead 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) | $18.33 | $146.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.38 | $171.05 |
| Median (P50) | $22.69 | $181.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.77 | $222.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.70 | $237.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Homestead
Based on $22.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.69/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Homestead, FL can expect to earn approximately $47,197 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,229. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Homestead.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Homestead
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.63 | $3,933 | $47,197 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.58 | $2,360 | $28,318 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $363.05 | $1,573 | $18,879 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Homestead) | $22.69 |
| 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 Homestead, FL earn a median of $47,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.82% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.40% below the Florida state average of $47,860.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.69/hr = $28,318/year (purchasing power: $28,093).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,197/year (purchasing power: $46,822).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Homestead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Homestead grew 19.9% from $18.34/hr (2019) to $22.00/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.40/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 Homestead 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 Homestead
Evaluating the potential earnings for part-time dental assistants reveals significant differences compared to full-time workers. A dental assistant working 24 hours each week may earn approximately $28,314 before taxes annually, much lower than full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, per diem dental assistants in Homestead often capitalize on opportunities from agencies, billing between $22 and $35 per hour, with those specializing in oral surgery or orthodontics potentially earning between $28 and $45 hourly. Different employer types also influence pay scales; dental assistants at general practices might receive lower wages, while those in specialized fields or with DSO chains like Heartland or Aspen may benefit from better compensation packages, albeit sometimes with fewer benefits. Workers should carefully weigh the trade-offs between hourly rates and health insurance offerings. Tips for negotiating effectively include researching local wage standards, understanding the value of certifications such as those from DANB, and clearly communicating your skills and experience during discussions about pay.
More salary data for Homestead, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Homestead in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Homestead?
Are dental assistants in Homestead paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Homestead?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Homestead?
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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 Homestead. 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 Homestead 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