Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Winter Garden, FL: $22.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Winter Garden, FL runs $22.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,184 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Winter Garden's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,713 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winter Garden, FL, the dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $22.21 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $23.84 per hour. This rate provides a competitive income for part-time workers, particularly those in flexible roles such as per diem positions, where dental assistants might work in various settings like general dentistry operatories or specialized environments such as orthodontic and oral surgery practices. For dental assistants just starting their careers, earnings can begin around $18.47 per hour, while those with specialized skills or considerable experience can command up to $28.22. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the diverse earning potential based on experience and the typical work environment in which these professionals function.
About the Winter Garden 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) | $18.47 | $147.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.22 | $169.73 |
| Median (P50) | $22.21 | $177.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.72 | $213.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.22 | $225.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winter Garden
Based on $22.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.21/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winter Garden, FL can expect to earn approximately $46,189 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,647. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Winter Garden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winter Garden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $888.24 | $3,849 | $46,189 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $532.95 | $2,309 | $27,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $355.30 | $1,540 | $18,475 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Winter Garden) | $22.21 |
| 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 Winter Garden, FL earn a median of $46,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.85% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 3.50% below the Florida state average of $47,859.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.21/hr = $27,713/year (purchasing power: $27,493).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,189/year (purchasing power: $45,822).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Winter Garden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Winter Garden grew 19.9% from $17.95/hr (2019) to $21.53/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.90/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 Winter Garden 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 Winter Garden
Examining the financial dynamics for dental assistants in Winter Garden reveals the potential for significant differences based on employment arrangements. A dental assistant working part-time for three days per week (approximately 24 hours) could anticipate an annual take-home pay nearing $27,500, which may contrast sharply with a full-time worker's earnings. For per diem dental assistant pay in Winter Garden, individuals billing $22 to $35 per hour can find lucrative opportunities, especially in specialized fields, where rates can climb to between $28 and $45 per hour. Additionally, different employer types play a role in hourly variations; for instance, general dental practices might offer rates at the lower end, while pediatric and specialty offices often provide higher compensation. While some dental assistants may prioritize higher hourly wages when forgoing benefits, many opt for roles with health insurance that offers slightly lower pay but greater job security. For those considering employment in this field, it's essential to research and negotiate effectively, taking into account the full compensation package rather than solely focusing on hourly rates.
More salary data for Winter Garden, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Winter Garden in 2026?
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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 Winter Garden. 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 Winter Garden 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