Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Miami Gardens, FL: $22.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Miami Gardens, FL runs $22.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,350 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Miami Gardens's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,408 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Miami Gardens, Florida, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $22.76, which slightly undercuts the national median of $23.84. This figure reflects the hourly compensation for various settings, including general dentistry, pediatric offices, orthodontic practices, and oral surgery suites. For part-time dental assistants working three days a week, this rate translates into an annual income that is adjusted based on their schedules, making it a viable option for those wanting more flexible hours. Hourly rates for dental assistants range from $17.46 for entry-level positions to $30.56 for those at the top of their earning potential, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to professionals in this field.
About the Miami Gardens 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) | $17.46 | $139.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.79 | $166.34 |
| Median (P50) | $22.76 | $182.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.18 | $225.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.56 | $244.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Miami Gardens
Based on $22.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.76/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Miami Gardens, FL can expect to earn approximately $47,347 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,316. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Miami Gardens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Miami Gardens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $910.52 | $3,946 | $47,347 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $546.31 | $2,367 | $28,408 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $364.21 | $1,578 | $18,939 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Miami Gardens) | $22.76 |
| 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 Miami Gardens, FL earn a median of $47,350 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.50% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 1.10% below the Florida state average of $47,876.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.76/hr = $28,408/year (purchasing power: $28,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,347/year (purchasing power: $46,971).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Miami Gardens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Miami Gardens grew 19.9% from $18.40/hr (2019) to $22.07/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.48/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 Miami Gardens 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 Miami Gardens
When considering part-time work in Miami Gardens, a dental assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $28,287 annually, which contrasts significantly with the potential earnings of a full-time employee. Per diem dental assistant pay in Miami Gardens usually hovers between $22 and $35 an hour, with specialists in oral surgery and orthodontics often earning between $28 and $45 per hour. Moreover, pay scales may vary significantly depending on the employer, with general practices offering different compensations compared to more specialized offices. Many dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, a common trade-off in this profession. For those negotiating rates, it's essential to research the compensation trends within Miami Gardens and factor in benefits when making career decisions, ensuring that hourly pay aligns with professional development goals and personal financial needs.
More salary data for Miami Gardens, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Miami Gardens in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Miami Gardens?
Are dental assistants in Miami Gardens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dental assistant make per year in Miami Gardens?
Do dental assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Miami Gardens?
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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 Miami Gardens. 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 Miami Gardens 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