Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $23.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Atlanta, GA runs $23.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,692 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,219 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Atlanta, Georgia, command a median hourly pay of $23.41, closely aligning with the national median of $23.84. This hourly wage translates to a lucrative opportunity for part-time and per-diem workers, especially in a variety of clinical settings including general dental practices, pediatric facilities, orthodontic offices, and surgical suites. With a pay range spanning from $18.74 at the entry level to $28.65 for top earners, those starting in the field can expect to build their careers in environments conducive to skill development, making this role attractive to aspiring dental professionals. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights the competitive nature of dental assistant hourly rates in Atlanta, reflective of both the city's growing demand for dental health services and the overall market dynamics in the region.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.74 | $149.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.66 | $181.28 |
| Median (P50) | $23.41 | $187.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.81 | $222.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.65 | $229.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $23.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.41/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $48,699 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,095. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $936.51 | $4,058 | $48,699 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $561.91 | $2,435 | $29,219 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.60 | $1,623 | $19,479 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Atlanta) | $23.41 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $48,692 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.79% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.40% above the Georgia state average of $45,337.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.41/hr = $29,219/year (purchasing power: $29,202).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,699/year (purchasing power: $48,670).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Atlanta grew 11.3% from $20.39/hr (2019) to $22.70/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.15/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Exploring the financial aspect, a part-time dental assistant working three days a week would typically log around 24 hours, yielding a substantial annual income that can be substantial while allowing for a flexible schedule. In contrast, per-diem dental assistants often charge between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialized roles in oral surgery and orthodontics potentially commanding rates as high as $28 to $45. Different employer types influence hourly rates, where general dental practices might offer lower wages compared to specialized clinics or chain operations like Heartland and Aspen. Each employment option presents a unique trade-off; dental assistants in full-time positions may receive benefits and stability that justify a lower hourly rate, while those opting for higher pay without benefits might find it challenging to cover healthcare costs. For professionals eager to negotiate in this competitive market, understanding value propositions for different settings and emphasizing skills associated with expanded function authority can pave the way for improved compensation structures.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 Atlanta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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