Dental Assistant Hourly Pay in Johns Creek, GA: $21.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dental assistant working in Johns Creek, GA runs $21.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,303 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Weighted against Johns Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,580 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, dental assistants in Johns Creek, Georgia can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $21.30, which is notably lower than the national median of $23.84. For those considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into solid pay for a profession that can offer flexible scheduling in various settings, including general dentistry operatories, pediatric exam rooms, and even dental school clinics. The hourly wage range in Johns Creek stretches from $16.95 at the entry-level (P10) to $27.61 for top earners (P90), appealing to both new talent and experienced professionals. This pay structure allows dental assistants to potentially balance their work-life commitments while contributing significantly to patient care and clinical operations.
About the Johns Creek 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) | $16.95 | $135.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.86 | $158.92 |
| Median (P50) | $21.30 | $170.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.85 | $206.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.61 | $220.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johns Creek
Based on $21.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.30/hr, a dental assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johns Creek, GA can expect to earn approximately $44,301 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,558. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johns Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johns Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $851.94 | $3,692 | $44,301 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $511.16 | $2,215 | $26,580 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $340.77 | $1,477 | $17,720 |
Compare DA, CDA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (Johns Creek) | $21.30 |
| 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 Johns Creek, GA earn a median of $44,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.64% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.30% below the Georgia state average of $45,346.
Dental Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.30/hr = $26,580/year (purchasing power: $28,550).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,301/year (purchasing power: $47,584).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Johns Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dental assistants in Johns Creek grew 19.9% from $17.22/hr (2019) to $20.65/hr (2025). At a 3.14% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.97/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 Johns Creek 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 Johns Creek
Analyzing the financial landscape for dental assistants reveals varied earning potentials, particularly for those working part-time or per diem. A dental assistant working 24 hours a week, for example, would take home a reasonable income compared to full-time colleagues, while per diem dental assistants often find themselves billing between $22 and $35 per hour, with specialty roles in oral surgery or orthodontics reaching upwards of $28 to $45. The type of employer can significantly affect these rates; dental practices ranging from solo practitioners to large chains, such as Heartland and Aspen, all establish their own pay scales. While some dental assistants may opt for lower hourly wages in favor of benefits like health insurance, others prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiation tips for upcoming dental assistants include understanding the employer's budget constraints and being aware of industry standards in Johns Creek, GA, which can enhance their chances of securing a favorable hourly rate.
More salary data for Johns Creek, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dental assistants in Johns Creek 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 Johns Creek. 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 Johns Creek 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