Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Griffin, GA: $20.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Griffin, GA runs $20.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $42,161 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Griffin's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,293 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Griffin, GA, the median dental assistant hourly pay is projected to be $20.27 in 2026, which lags behind the national average of $23.84 per hour. This disparity means that dental assistants working here may find that their earnings are more modest compared to the broader national landscape. For those considering part-time positions — such as those working three days a week — this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,525 monthly, making it a viable option for individuals seeking supplementary income. The hourly wage range for dental assistants in Griffin spans from $16.61 for entry-level roles to $24.73 for experienced practitioners, allowing for varied compensation depending on specialized skills and workplace settings. Typical environments include general dental operatories and pediatric exam rooms, where per-diem positions may also offer opportunities for flexible scheduling and increased hourly rates.
About the Griffin Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dental Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.61 | $132.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.09 | $152.73 |
| Median (P50) | $20.27 | $162.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.94 | $191.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24.73 | $197.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Griffin
Based on $20.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.27/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Griffin, GA can expect to earn approximately $42,155 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,320. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Griffin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Griffin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $810.68 | $3,513 | $42,155 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $486.41 | $2,108 | $25,293 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $324.27 | $1,405 | $16,862 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Griffin) | $20.27 |
| 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 Griffin, GA earn a median of $42,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.96% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 7.00% below the Georgia state average of $45,334.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.27/hr = $25,293/year (purchasing power: $27,168).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $42,155/year (purchasing power: $45,280).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Griffin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $15.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Griffin grew 19.9% from $16.38/hr (2019) to $19.65/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.90/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 Griffin 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 Griffin
Evaluating the earning potential in more detail, a dental assistant working part-time for 24 hours a week would see significantly lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem dental assistants in Griffin tend to bill between $22 and $35 per hour, with those in specialized fields like oral surgery and orthodontics garnering even higher hourly rates ranging from $28 to $45. Furthermore, the varying nature of employers in Griffin influences hourly compensation, with general practices typically providing lower pay than specialized health offices. While many dental assistants may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others may prioritize immediate cash flow and seek positions that yield a higher rate but lack additional perks. For job seekers, negotiating salaries with the understanding of local market conditions can be advantageous; identifying the specific employer type and gaining insight into common pay ranges allows for more strategic discussions about wages.
More salary data for Griffin, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Griffin in 2026?
How much do part-time dental assistants make in Griffin?
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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 Griffin. 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 Griffin 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